IMO the Novas have a very awkward forend, are heavy, and don't cycle as easily. Those are the reasons I don't like them...The 870 express? To me they feel good in the hands, don't weigh as much as the Nova, seem to cycle more smoothly, and although they're not pretty, neither is the Nova Now I know there are enough fans of both guns to go back and forth all day, but this is my personal opinion. Go 870.