Benelli Nova or Mossberg 500

[houtsdg]

Have a dilemna with purchasing my first gun. Found a great deal on a 12ga camo 28" Benelli that had been pawned -- $200. Also like the Mossberg 500 for feel and option of 2nd barrell -- $235 at Walmart and about the same from pawn shop through dealer. I plan to hunt pheasant primarily, but also shoot some clays and maybe someday try deer and turkey. Is it worth it to go for the Benelli and add a slug gun down the road, or should I go for the convenience and frugality of the Mossberg. And of course, what is everyone's opinion of the overall quality and experience with each model. Thanks!

[killer243]

i have a mossburg 500 and used it a lot for awhile. shoots real well and handles nice. mine is magna-ported and has very little recoil however it is very loud. i don't use it much anymore because i got a 20 gauge remington 11-87 i like better.

i never shot a benelli so i can't say anything good/bad

however if i had to do it all over i would go with the benelli

[TScottW99]

I own both a Mossberg 500 24" ported barrel in camo and a Benelli Nova 24". I like both guns very much and they have both taken a good bit of game. Though I like the Nova better. So far it is more reliable. This is my second Mossberg and the second one to have problems. I don't have a good batting average with Mossberg

Though the bottom line is you... Which one feels better to you and you are more comfortable with? That will be the gun for you.

[TheBassMan]

I have the Nova....great gun for the money. I have it in 24 inch barrel and use it for turkeys. the 28 inch barrel would be good for Pheasant, clays, water fowl.

[Carpmaster]

The nova!!!!!! Also for deer hunting, Ithaca makes and affordable barrel for it with cantelever mounts.

[HighDesertWolf]

As much as I love my old Mossberg 500, If i had the choice I would pick the Benelli nova