Not to beat a dead horse but;
I love my nova, but have trusted my life to an 870 at work many times. I've used my nova as a boat paddle while duck hunting, it has been submerged several times, and performs great. I have two 870s that I use for hunting, and love them too...The 870 I use at work, has been put through some serious hell, and its like a timex, takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

Like the last poster said, see what feels better to you. Alot of my friends don't like the nova b/c it has more bulk to it and doesn't fit them right.