I have to agree with NJ. The reliability of the 870 is unmatched in any shotgun in my opinion. I've been shooting one for so long that it is second nature for me. However the nova does have it's following and is proving to be a shotgun that will last a long time. The 870 just "fits" me better and so I've stayed with it for many years. At present I have 3- 12 gauges and 1- 20 gauge.