i have had the exact experience as you 3006 lover but i have had some experience with the nova and it wasnt a good one either.i personally think they are cheap looking and felt that way too and i am a well honest to god lover of the 870 it is the best pump gun. it has been compared to the winchester modle 12 but it is actually better because the 870 isnt as delicately made as the model 12 was. i have 6 870's and wouldnt get anyother pump gun. i have only betrayed the remington line of shotguns 1 time and that was on my mossberg silver reserve o/u. i wouln have got the the remington 3200 but i dont have that kind of cash at one time to spend.