Benelli Nova/Super Nova

[RancidSumo]

My brother bought a Benelli Nova yesterday and we went out and put 100 shells through it. It was the first time I had ever shot a shotgun and by the end of the day I was hitting 3 out of 4 clay pigeons. I liked it so much that I decided to get one. I just can't decide if I should get the Nova or the Super Nova. I like the idea of less recoil on the Super Nova since my shoulder is bruised pretty badly today but I don't know if it makes a $140 difference. Is the recoil on the Super Nova about the same as the Nova with the mercury recoil reducer? Also, does the Super Nova accept more then just three inch shells? The one at the store only has 3" shells listed while the Nova has three different lengths. Finally, do you use a choke when shooting slugs? The it says on the package not to shoot without a choke and I don't know anything about shotguns so I was wondering how you shoot slugs out of it. Sorry if that is a stupid question but I figured better to ask then ruin a gun.

I can get the Nova for $300 and the Super Nova for $450 so which should I get?

 

[evbutler462]

Get the Nova. Buy a Limbsaver for it. Put 13 oz of lead in a plastic bag and put it in the stock. Use some packing peanuts to keep it from shifting. Stuff it in the stock and put the Limbsaver back on.

This works just as well as the mercury recoil reducer. All it really does is add weight. This you can do. I really love the Nova. I don't see spending the extra for the Supernova when you can tame the Nova.

The Limbsaver pops in to replace the butt pad that they put on the Nova.

 

[RancidSumo]

Ok thanks. I will probably be getting whichever gun on choose on Thursday.

 

[throdgrain]

Its only an extra $140, thats about £70 to me, Id buy the newer one Doesnt the super Nova have the rattling problem of the earlier Nova all fixed now?

 

[ilmonster]

One other item to consider on the SuperNova is fit. If the Nova didn't fit you well, that could lead to some recoil/bruising issues (do a search on gun fit for details on how a gun should fit). The SuperNova in addition to the comforttech stock had three different hight combs and I think three different length recoil pads to aid in stock fit.
If you're currently shoot just little orange frisbee's (vs. hunting), make sure you aren't using heavy loads. Nothing more than 7/8 or 1 oz. of shot at 1100-1200 fps is needed to kill a little clay! Heavier loads just beat your shoulder up and don't break a clay any better. Good luck!

 

[kellyj00]

the Nova is a good shotgun, handles 3 1/2" IIRC and has a pretty neat button on the foregrip that allows you to cycle the action without chambering another shell.

I need another one! I sold mine for $200 about 4-5 years ago, and it had that mercury recoil reducer.

 

[RancidSumo]

Th Nova fit me good, I just didn't hold it right at first so I don't know if I want to pay the extra $140....

 

[RancidSumo]

What is the best load to shoot clay pigeons with? Not a specific brand just like 8, 7.5,.......

 

[throdgrain]

7.5 or 8 for sporting, 9 for skeet. If you take a pump action to a serious clay shoot they're generally not impressed over here

It dont stop me doing it though

 

[RancidSumo]

I won't be going to any competitions with it, my dad has an old side by side 20 gauge that will be used if I do any serious shooting, the pump is just for fun, especially once I take the plug out.

 

[evbutler462]

The forearm rattle can be fixed with a 3mm hex wrench. Just tighten the forearm screws to the point of almost overtight. Don't strip them, but tighten them good. Then load the stock with shot and put a Limbsaver on it. I really like my Nova. You can buy lots of shells for $140.00. Of course the Limbsaver will cost about $25.00 as they are usually on sale.

 

[Francisco2]

Get the Super Nova. The two advantages the SN has over the Nova is that the stock can be swapped out and it does not have the rattle in the foreend. Both models can use the same side saddle, the same magazine extention, and the same barrels.

 

[chris in va]

I hope they fixed the notchiness my Nova had. Several times it wouldn't feed right. Didn't like the fact you couldn't find any #$% parts for it either...like chokes or different stock.

I sold it and got a 500...much better IMO.

 

[mons meg]

Is the recoil on the Super Nova about the same as the Nova with the mercury recoil reducer?

I'm wanting to know the same thing...anyone got some experience with the SuperNova Comfortech stock versus the standard Nova stock with mercury recoil unit?