I never owned the Nova, but I owned the Super Nova. I think the only difference is the recoil system. I might be wrong. But I'm not wrong that it was the best pump shotgun that I ever owned. It shot much like the 870's I've owned but it was a little smoother andwas much easier to clean.It will be the best 20 bucks you'll ever spend, until you win the lottery! Congratulations!!!!!