My self and about 6 of my friends have Benelli Novas and I don't think you can buy a better waterfowl pump. It has more features than the 870 (magazine disconnect, Rotating locking lug bolt, spring assist pump, recoil reducer capable, and you can field strip it without any tools, which is very handy, I had had to do it once because I got dirt in the receiver). The one piece glass reinforced stock and receiver extremely tough and more water resistant/rust resistant than the 870. It is also cheaper than the 870. You can get a black one for $300 or a camo one for $350.

As for the forend rattle if you take an allen wrench and tighten down the two screw on the forend most of the rattle is removed, and it is a lot quieter. If I had to do it over again I would still buy the nova. All of the people I know that use them not one person has had a single problem.

Good luck