The Benelli Nova Pump has been around for a long time and has earned its stripes in the duck hunting community. This workhorse pump action 12 Gauge shotgun was my very first duck hunting shotgun.
I got this gun when I was 14 or 15 years old, so it’s one I’ve had for as long as I can really remember. I got it for Christmas one year, and it was the year’s surprise.
Introduction
The Benelli Nova Pump is well known for its rugged durability and being so reliable it’s boring. Still, it’s a fantastic gun and priced right among its competitors for its feature set and namesake.
If you know anything about shotguns, Benelli is hardly known for being a budget brand and not having anything cheap. Don’t take my word for it. Just check out their tactical line of shotguns, the Benelli M4.
Design and Build Quality
Getting the most bang for your dollar started with the design of the shotgun and the overall build quality.
Materials
One of the most distinctive features of the Benelli Nova is its use of a single-piece receiver and stock design made from high-strength polymer.
This polymer overmold encases the steel receiver, creating a highly resistant shotgun to weather, corrosion, and the rough handling typical in hunting and outdoor shooting environments.
The Benelli Nova’s use of these materials results in a shotgun that is not only tough and reliable but also relatively lightweight and easy to handle.
The innovative approach to materials and design reflects Benelli’s commitment to quality and performance in their firearms.
Ergonomics
The Nova Pump stock is a fixed stock, like most hunting shotguns, and the grip’s ergonomics are very similar to what you would find in most shotguns.
The lightweight nature of the Nova pump allows for easy handling and less fatigue when holding and shoving the gun for long periods.
Aesthetics
Visually, the Nova pump is available in many different flavors, including synthetic black, Mossy Oak Bottomland, and Realtree Max-7.
All of these camos and solid colors look great on the Nova pump, and as new camos are released, they continue to update the offerings of Nova pump color configurations.
Performance
This is where the Nova pump made a name for itself with the lightweight polymer frame. I think many sportsmen were skeptical when it was first released years ago, but now it’s well-known for its reliability, accuracy, and recoil management.
Reliability
Because very few things can go wrong with a pump action shotgun, the reliability of the Nova pump is almost bombproof.
Benelli is known for making high-end firearms, but not all high-end firearms are known for reliability; looking at you 1911s.
Accuracy
The Nova pump choke system and various included chokes help you dial in the accuracy of this shotgun.
While it’s still a scatter gun by design, modern technology developments have allowed you to tight patterns and groups with a shotgun and extend your shooting ability with a shotgun.
Recoil Management
Because it’s a pump action shotgun, the recoil is mitigated greatly by the pump action itself because the round dislodges the action and takes much of the recoil out of the shot.
The gun’s lightweight nature reduces the recoil mitigation, but that is not as big of a deal in a pump action that absorbs more of the recoil in the action releasing.
Features and Functionality
Features and function are what make or break and firearm design and Benelli knows that as well as anyone.
This was a very innovative shotgun in its time and the pricepoint for the feature set really sets it apart.
Capacity
The Benelli Nova pump is a classic waterfowl shotgun, so you’ll only find it in a 4+1 configuration to comply with migratory bird laws and restrictions on magazine capacity.
The Nova pump has a bottom loading magazine much like all the other hunting shotguns on the market today.
Safety Features
Firearms safety is always the most important thing you can do while hunting, target shooting, or plinking.
The safety on the Nova pump is similar to other shotgun safeties and is located just in front of the trigger well, making for easy on/off action and use.
Maintenance and Durability
Maintaining your shotgun is important and making sure it is clean and lubricated will ensure you have a successful hunting trip and give you the best chance of having no gun malfunctions.
Ease of Disassembly and Cleaning
It’s very easy to break down and clean the Nova pump, which is important because if you hunt long enough, it will rain, or you’ll eventually drop yourself and/or your shotgun in the water.
You say that’ll never be me! Just wait. It’s gonna happen, and it’s gonna be cold! Here’s a quick video on field strip disassembly and cleaning.
B. Parts Availability and Cost – Availability of replacement parts – Cost of common replacements (barrels, springs)
Value for Money
You can’t beat the value of a Benelli Nova shotgun; they are built like a boat anchor, and they work.
My brother probably hasn’t cleaned his in 5-6 years and there’s surface rust on the barrel. It still shoots like it did when it came out of the box; while there may be a little grit in the action, it still knocks down birds.
While there are cheaper shotguns, I think the value for the money is in the Nova pump.
B. Warranty and Customer Service – Length of warranty – Responsiveness of customer service
User Reviews and Reputation
From brand-new hunters to seasoned hunters, you’ll constantly hear good things said about the Nova pump.
While it may not be a seasoned hunter’s go-to shotgun anymore (likely because they have gone to semi-auto), it will still come highly recommended by anyone in the waterfowl hunting world.
I was about to get the 870 Express, I have an 870 Express Tactical 20G but now in need of a Clay/Hunting shotgun.(New Hunter) I came across the Benelli Nova at a great price and took it out with my neighbor that weekend. Love the fiber front sight and the Benelli Nova performed flawlessly. It also out absorbed the kick better than both his 870 Express and Wingmaster. Super pleased with this shotgun!
Keeaah @ Cabelas.com
Benelli Nova Pump Conclusion
I cannot reccomend this gun enough. It was my first shotgun as a kid growing up, and while it might have been a little big for me at the time, I grew into it, and it’s still a gun I cherish to this day.
This gun should be high on the consideration list if it meets your price point and function. In the duck hunting pump action shotguns world, the Nova pump is top of the line.
