General purpose shotgun - Benelli Nova or Remington 870?
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GooseGestapo
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Definitely, the Remington m870.
Go to the Brownells web site and look for accessories/parts for the Benelli.
Barrels, stocks, scope mounts, spare/replacement parts abound for the Remington.
I have two 870's
One is an "Express", in 28ga. (stock cut down for wife and daughters)
Other is 12ga "Magnum", and I have three stocks: (High comb wood, for shooting rifle slugs/buckshot in NRA "PPC" shotgun matches, Standard low comb wood stock for hunting/skeet shooting, and a pistol grip for use as entry/patrol use OTJ with 18.5" bbl.
Highcomb (montecarlo) stock works well with vent-rib barrel as trap gun too.
Have three barrels for 12ga too: 20" slug barrel w/rifle sights; 28" ventrib w/Remchokes, 18.5" bbl for self-defense/patrol work.
I also have high grade 20ga S/S for hanging out with "ritzy" friends, and a 1187 Spec. Purpose w/mossy-oak camo finish for waterfowling.
Definitely go with the 870!
I could use it, and it only, for all my scatter-gun needs.
Go to the Brownells web site and look for accessories/parts for the Benelli.
Barrels, stocks, scope mounts, spare/replacement parts abound for the Remington.
I have two 870's
One is an "Express", in 28ga. (stock cut down for wife and daughters)
Other is 12ga "Magnum", and I have three stocks: (High comb wood, for shooting rifle slugs/buckshot in NRA "PPC" shotgun matches, Standard low comb wood stock for hunting/skeet shooting, and a pistol grip for use as entry/patrol use OTJ with 18.5" bbl.
Highcomb (montecarlo) stock works well with vent-rib barrel as trap gun too.
Have three barrels for 12ga too: 20" slug barrel w/rifle sights; 28" ventrib w/Remchokes, 18.5" bbl for self-defense/patrol work.
I also have high grade 20ga S/S for hanging out with "ritzy" friends, and a 1187 Spec. Purpose w/mossy-oak camo finish for waterfowling.
Definitely go with the 870!
I could use it, and it only, for all my scatter-gun needs.
Black Majik
Member
Definitely go with the 870.
Proven track record, easy to use, reliable, durable, and damn well fun to shoot.
The 870 has a huge list of aftermarket parts for it, as well as factory parts. I suggest getting a 28" 870 then adding a 18" for home defense and also get their factory mag. ext tube.
The Benelli Nova looks kinda funny too.
Proven track record, easy to use, reliable, durable, and damn well fun to shoot.
The 870 has a huge list of aftermarket parts for it, as well as factory parts. I suggest getting a 28" 870 then adding a 18" for home defense and also get their factory mag. ext tube.
The Benelli Nova looks kinda funny too.
Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
The 870.
I'm not bashing Novas. They're good shotguns. 870s are great shotguns.
Here's why.
Unmatched track record. 870s are as reliable as crowbars and last as long as the Pyramids.
Adaptability. The modular design means one can swap parts quickly, and modify things like the stock if needed. A wood stock can be worked on easier than that plastic Nova receiver/stock combo.
Price. Used 870s are common and beater versions oft go for under $200 even today.
Triggers. Most 870s are decent right out of the box, some are superb. All the Novas I've tried had heavy, uncrisp triggers.
The defense rests.....
I'm not bashing Novas. They're good shotguns. 870s are great shotguns.
Here's why.
Unmatched track record. 870s are as reliable as crowbars and last as long as the Pyramids.
Adaptability. The modular design means one can swap parts quickly, and modify things like the stock if needed. A wood stock can be worked on easier than that plastic Nova receiver/stock combo.
Price. Used 870s are common and beater versions oft go for under $200 even today.
Triggers. Most 870s are decent right out of the box, some are superb. All the Novas I've tried had heavy, uncrisp triggers.
The defense rests.....
Cosmoline
Member
Mossberg 500. As tough as the Remington but with a safety you can actually use.
Omaha-BeenGlockin
Member
As long as the Nova fits you----it is by far the better choice----having owned both----the Remmies are all gone and the Nova's are staying.
It just doesn't more general pupose than my Nova----24in barrel(choke tubes)----camo finish----camo mag extention----3.5in chamber------just what exactly can't be done with this set-up?------turkeys---waterfowl---to home defence-----it just doesn't get any better then that.
It just doesn't more general pupose than my Nova----24in barrel(choke tubes)----camo finish----camo mag extention----3.5in chamber------just what exactly can't be done with this set-up?------turkeys---waterfowl---to home defence-----it just doesn't get any better then that.
Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
Omaha, my friend.....
Just what can it do that can't be done with an 870? IMO, not much.
And 3.5" capability is not limited to the Nova, though I see little need for it. While the howitzer loads may have some relevance for waterfowlers, that's not a GP,but a quite specialized cannon.
Just what can it do that can't be done with an 870? IMO, not much.
And 3.5" capability is not limited to the Nova, though I see little need for it. While the howitzer loads may have some relevance for waterfowlers, that's not a GP,but a quite specialized cannon.
simmonsguns
Member
police department test (not really,but you should see what i get in from them) set the shotguns down in the road,run over them with your police car,guess which one will still work.true,got 4 in last month from un-named department.all 870's and they had tire marks on the recievers and stocks and they all still worked but the barrels were bent.they would have been safe to fire,the barrels were bent slightly.
BerettaNut92
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Do 870s come over the counter with ghost rings now?
jdmb03
Member
I have a Mossberg 590DA1 that I'm very happy with. My second choice would be the Nova.
TrapperReady
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I voted 870, although personally I tend towards Winchesters. While I'm a fan of Benelli autoloaders (at least the non 3.5" versions), I just haven't been able to get excited about the Nova.
The 870, on the other hand is a heck of a gun. There are lots out there, so the aftermarket parts are plentiful, and fairly cheap used bits can often be found languishing in the sale bins of many gun-stores. I've yet to hear the words "cheap" and "Benelli" used in the same sentence.
IMO, you for a general-purpose shotgun, it would be hard to beat a used 870 Wingmaster in 12ga with choke-tubes (or fixed Modified choke) and a 26" barrel. For under $300, you would have a gun that should last longer than you, and do virtually anything you ask of it.
The 870, on the other hand is a heck of a gun. There are lots out there, so the aftermarket parts are plentiful, and fairly cheap used bits can often be found languishing in the sale bins of many gun-stores. I've yet to hear the words "cheap" and "Benelli" used in the same sentence.
IMO, you for a general-purpose shotgun, it would be hard to beat a used 870 Wingmaster in 12ga with choke-tubes (or fixed Modified choke) and a 26" barrel. For under $300, you would have a gun that should last longer than you, and do virtually anything you ask of it.
Andrew Wyatt
Member
out of the box, the nova has the 870 beat in the GP department, because you can get one with GR sights.
The lack of a rear sight is a liability.
The lack of a rear sight is a liability.
TrapperReady
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None of my shotguns have a rear sight (although a couple have rear beads which I ignore). For anything related to hitting a moving target (which shotguns are almost uniquely qualified to do), the lack of a rear sight is (IMO) a great benefit.
For shooting at stationary targets, especially at typical HD distances, the use of a simple bead is still more than good enough.
The original poster talked about home defense, plinking fun and trap shooting. For all of these, I'd prefer a bead. If I was going to use a shotgun for three-gun competition, or for a true "tactical" role, then I might prefer the GR sights. However, those are far from general purpose.
Marko Kloos
Moderator Emeritus
The 870 is an outstanding GP shotgun with a sterling reputation.
That said, I much prefer the Nova. My shotgun is an anti-personnel tool, so I may sing a different tune if it mostly bagged birds or bunnies.
I like the construction, the polymer doesn't rust, the gun chambers and cycles everything from Aguila Minis to 3 1/2" turkey busters, the pump handle is nicely oversized, and the magazine cutoff button in the pump will ruin every shotgun for you that lacks this feature.
In the 18.5" "Special Purpose" incarnation, the Nova is one of the finest "social" shotty designs to hit the market. Its only drawbacks are a lack of modularity (you're stuck with the factory stock), and a lack of capacity in the factory configuration. I remedied the latter today by installing the +2 extender, which boosted tube capacity from four 2 3/4" shells to seven.
My Nova wears a red dot sight mounted on a Weaver rail which my gunsmith kindly affixed to the receiver just in front of the rear sight.
That said, I much prefer the Nova. My shotgun is an anti-personnel tool, so I may sing a different tune if it mostly bagged birds or bunnies.
I like the construction, the polymer doesn't rust, the gun chambers and cycles everything from Aguila Minis to 3 1/2" turkey busters, the pump handle is nicely oversized, and the magazine cutoff button in the pump will ruin every shotgun for you that lacks this feature.
In the 18.5" "Special Purpose" incarnation, the Nova is one of the finest "social" shotty designs to hit the market. Its only drawbacks are a lack of modularity (you're stuck with the factory stock), and a lack of capacity in the factory configuration. I remedied the latter today by installing the +2 extender, which boosted tube capacity from four 2 3/4" shells to seven.
My Nova wears a red dot sight mounted on a Weaver rail which my gunsmith kindly affixed to the receiver just in front of the rear sight.
sm
member
Gerneral Purpose Shotgun...
I must be the only person on earth that has not handled or seen a real live a Nova yet.
I've been a little busy, pre-occupied, and I guess I must admit a bit slow to change to new stuff. IIABDFI kind of guy.
I'm big on gun fit, my understanding is the Nova does not lend itself to tweaking the fit to a shooter.
I'm big on proven reliability, availability of parts, availabilty of those things which I may need to tweak the guns to my needs, and ease of maintenence. So I lean toward the Big 4...like I said, I have no experience with a Nova.
I actually like the old 97's, model 12 Winchesters, and the Ithicia 37...nowadays, for the price of week's pay and all...I have my druthers from one of the Big 4. Okay I have a favorite.
Sights...well I learned to shoot without crutches, be it rifle, handgun or shotgun...I learned to shoot without sights. Comes in handy if a bead comes of in the 3 rd box of a big tournament, in the middle of a bird hunt. I still came in 2nd, even without a bead, beat fair and square going into the 2nd box of a shootoff, my fault, not the guns lack of bead, I didn't have my hold point right, let the bird get ahead of me, I messed up my timing. I still limited out on quail, doves, and ducks tho without a bead.
I have an easy 100k rds thru one shotgun alone, I have used it for everyhing, it has a front bead and a mid bead. I have easily put another 100k rds thru a few others with only a front bead, so for me -on an all around shotgun I don't want a rear sight.
I don't AIM a shotgun I POINT it as it was intended.
Slugs for deer, a stationary target, a rear peep with insert removed is great. For those with aging eyes, and slug shooting the Ashley Express is great. I think this is a faster system for 3 gun and LEO use as well - personally. Aging eyes and bird hunting, target shooting white paint, green paint , hi-vis green, Bradley, or Asheley front only helps them.
But folks have harvested too many deer, shot too may perps in real gunfights using only a front bead. Some of these real deal folks learned to shoot without sights as I did...If they lose the front sight going after a deer, or in a real gunfight...they will be okay.
I'd rather not learn on a crutch, and have nothing to fall back on. Comes in handy when you knock off the front sight of a 1911 / or revolver in a match, or training deal.
Besides, GR get in my way laying on the ground , rolling in mud and dirt trying to shoot over my head back at a target with someone dragging me the other way...[ simulate me being rescued and giving cover]. Damn GR bumped the side of stretcher on that simulation as well...nah leave my rear of shotgun free and clear.
I must be the only person on earth that has not handled or seen a real live a Nova yet.
I've been a little busy, pre-occupied, and I guess I must admit a bit slow to change to new stuff. IIABDFI kind of guy.
I'm big on gun fit, my understanding is the Nova does not lend itself to tweaking the fit to a shooter.
I'm big on proven reliability, availability of parts, availabilty of those things which I may need to tweak the guns to my needs, and ease of maintenence. So I lean toward the Big 4...like I said, I have no experience with a Nova.
I actually like the old 97's, model 12 Winchesters, and the Ithicia 37...nowadays, for the price of week's pay and all...I have my druthers from one of the Big 4. Okay I have a favorite.
Sights...well I learned to shoot without crutches, be it rifle, handgun or shotgun...I learned to shoot without sights. Comes in handy if a bead comes of in the 3 rd box of a big tournament, in the middle of a bird hunt. I still came in 2nd, even without a bead, beat fair and square going into the 2nd box of a shootoff, my fault, not the guns lack of bead, I didn't have my hold point right, let the bird get ahead of me, I messed up my timing. I still limited out on quail, doves, and ducks tho without a bead.
I have an easy 100k rds thru one shotgun alone, I have used it for everyhing, it has a front bead and a mid bead. I have easily put another 100k rds thru a few others with only a front bead, so for me -on an all around shotgun I don't want a rear sight.
I don't AIM a shotgun I POINT it as it was intended.
Slugs for deer, a stationary target, a rear peep with insert removed is great. For those with aging eyes, and slug shooting the Ashley Express is great. I think this is a faster system for 3 gun and LEO use as well - personally. Aging eyes and bird hunting, target shooting white paint, green paint , hi-vis green, Bradley, or Asheley front only helps them.
But folks have harvested too many deer, shot too may perps in real gunfights using only a front bead. Some of these real deal folks learned to shoot without sights as I did...If they lose the front sight going after a deer, or in a real gunfight...they will be okay.
I'd rather not learn on a crutch, and have nothing to fall back on. Comes in handy when you knock off the front sight of a 1911 / or revolver in a match, or training deal.
Besides, GR get in my way laying on the ground , rolling in mud and dirt trying to shoot over my head back at a target with someone dragging me the other way...[ simulate me being rescued and giving cover]. Damn GR bumped the side of stretcher on that simulation as well...nah leave my rear of shotgun free and clear.
sm
member
Marko
Again, that is a nice pic.
You have a very nice , slim trim package for Serious Social work - well though out sir.
If I may ask, what is the unloaded/ loaded weight of your set up?
Since I don't know , I'll ask where is the balance on it, in stock form is the balance b/t the hands or more toward forearm?.
Thanks,
Steve
Again, that is a nice pic.
You have a very nice , slim trim package for Serious Social work - well though out sir.
If I may ask, what is the unloaded/ loaded weight of your set up?
Since I don't know , I'll ask where is the balance on it, in stock form is the balance b/t the hands or more toward forearm?.
Thanks,
Steve
simmonsguns
Member
had a nova brought in for repair today,customers pistol bag fell in his car landed on the shotgun back by the grip and broke the grip,the bag was full,about 30 pounds,guns ammo,lots of ammo,he came in to the shop to get me just to show what happened and what it looked like,i thought these were stronger than that,there's no way to fix it.so more so,870 all the way.
Marko Kloos
Moderator Emeritus
I'm pretty sure that Benelli will replace the receiver if it breaks in such a fashion.
I haven't weighed the setup yet, but the gun itself is considerably lighter than the Mossberg or Remington pumps. The light weight means brisk recoil with high brass loads or Magnums, but you can get a recoil reducer tube for the buttstock.
The balance is more rearward with the standard short mag tube, although the installation of a mag extension and the resulting three extra rounds in the tube have shifted it slightly more forward. It balances by the ejection port now.
I haven't weighed the setup yet, but the gun itself is considerably lighter than the Mossberg or Remington pumps. The light weight means brisk recoil with high brass loads or Magnums, but you can get a recoil reducer tube for the buttstock.
The balance is more rearward with the standard short mag tube, although the installation of a mag extension and the resulting three extra rounds in the tube have shifted it slightly more forward. It balances by the ejection port now.
sm
member
Marko
Thanks for the information!
Thanks for the information!
JeridJohnson
Member
well, i havent shot either but I did handle both today.. the 870 seemed better built.. the pump seemed to fit much better than the Novas. Less slop..
I am shoping for an occasional use shotgun.. the primary need is for dove hunting once a year.. I also shoot steel plate matches and would like the flexibility to shoot shot occasionally.. Also a home defense gun would sit well with me for the time it is not a wing gun..
After doing a bit of research I think the Rem is the best bang for the buck and I will have a ton of options with all the aftermarket parts on the market.. Also, the fact it is a proven gun is icing on the cake..
I can pick up a Rem 870 Express Synthic for $289 new here in CA. Thats a darn good deal if ya ask me..
My choice is made.
I am shoping for an occasional use shotgun.. the primary need is for dove hunting once a year.. I also shoot steel plate matches and would like the flexibility to shoot shot occasionally.. Also a home defense gun would sit well with me for the time it is not a wing gun..
After doing a bit of research I think the Rem is the best bang for the buck and I will have a ton of options with all the aftermarket parts on the market.. Also, the fact it is a proven gun is icing on the cake..
I can pick up a Rem 870 Express Synthic for $289 new here in CA. Thats a darn good deal if ya ask me..
My choice is made.
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