The Nova is 20 times more durable and weather resistant. Any 870 will rust if you do not clean it immediately following exposure to moisture. The 870 is the one of the only steel receiver guns on the market. Durability ! The Nova has a steel insert surrounded by polymolded plastic. The nova can be field stripped with the magazine cap and given a quick wipe down. The Nova weighs less and has the magazine cut off feature allowing quick exchange of shotshells. Some people like this feature when hunting ducks and need to shoot at geese. Some turkey hunters want to throw in a buck shot round for coyotes. (check local laws) You can not go wrong with the Nova.