I have had one for 3 years and it works great. I got mine for $380 on sale but I think they were running about $400 list price. I don't know if prices have gone up. I can't compare it to the 870 because I have not shot one. One thing that the Nova has that I believe is unique is a factory made recoil reducer (which costs extra)that really works when it comes to reducing the kick from those 3.5 inch shells.