Benelli Nova VS. Rem 870...need to know
 

I'm trying to buy a gun for my better half. This is for small game, waterfowl, upland birds etc. So it's gonna have a bird barrel, and needs to be in youth so it fits her. Here's the question, I can go with a Rem 870, or a benelli nova. Right now bass pro is advertising the benelli in 20 ga. w/ 24" vent rib barrel for $320. I've never owned a benelli so i' like some opinions here. However, myself and everyone I know owns an 870 an no one has ever had a problem. The 870 in youth is around $220. Is the benelli worth the extra $100? or should I stick with the 870? any opinions would help, and ASAP please. I'm making the drive to bass pro tomorrow. Thanks.

RE: Benelli Nova VS. Rem 870...need to know
 

Unless it's going to be a suprize,she needs to handle both side by side to see which she prefers and which handles/fits her best. This is HIGHLY under rated! I honestly don't think you can go wrong with either. The remington has been around longer and has more in way of aftermarket parts/upgrades. The nova has good features also.

RE: Benelli Nova VS. Rem 870...need to know
 

My girls shoots a Beretta 390 20ga. Got it at Wal-Mart for $300... last one they had... wish they would of had more, I'd of bought the lot.

Do not over look the BPS either. Its a little bit more money, but its a better gun than either the Nova or the 870. Novas work great, but they ain't much to look at or handle. And 870s sure ain't what they used to be.

RE: Benelli Nova VS. Rem 870...need to know
 

IMO the Novas have a very awkward forend, are heavy, and don't cycle as easily. Those are the reasons I don't like them...The 870 express? To me they feel good in the hands, don't weigh as much as the Nova, seem to cycle more smoothly, and although they're not pretty, neither is the Nova :DNow I know there are enough fans of both guns to go back and forth all day, but this is my personal opinion. Go 870.

RE: Benelli Nova VS. Rem 870...need to know
 

I wouldn't take five Benelli's for my 870. But thats just my opinion.

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RE: Benelli Nova VS. Rem 870...need to know
 

Ok, unfortunately the trip was postponed, on the bright side it gives me longer to research. I've been reading that the nova, although a good shooting gun, it is bulkier and has more kick. That seems to be the consensus even among those that like the gun. I agree with having her hold it, it definitely needs to be a good fit. She has shot the 870 in youth and it seemed to be good for her. Also, there are more accessories available for the 870. So as of right now, I'm leaning towards the 870. If anyone can suggest another gun that's comparable in price, I'm listening. Thanks.

RE: Benelli Nova VS. Rem 870...need to know
 

I gotta agree with swampcollie on browning bps. That's my pick of currently produced pump shotguns.

RE: Benelli Nova VS. Rem 870...need to know
 

Winchester 1300 if you can find one. Excellent guns. They cycle extremely smoothly, are perfectly shaped for the hands IMO, and work flawlessly. They aren't that high dollar either. Around the 870 range.

RE: Benelli Nova VS. Rem 870...need to know
 

If you are going to be good to her go the extra step and get her an automatic!!! less felt recoil, less work for her = more shooting!. I watched a girl this past weekend dove hunting, she onlyknocked down a few birds but was haveing a good time, so much of a good time that her and her husband were one of the last to leave the feilds, she was shooting a Beretta AL 391, Im sure if it had been a pump she wouldnt have lasted near as long, fact is, I heard alot of guys complaining about long shoots with the 870s as well!.

RE: Benelli Nova VS. Rem 870...need to know
 

Thats another excellent choice in a slide action. Dang shame they quit making them. Still tons of great ones on the used market. If she is shorter in stature, the 1300 might be just the ticket. Winchester had the foresight to recess the pump slide's position when it battery, which makes it a heck of a lot easier for shorter arms to reach. One of the chief complaints with the youth model 870 is shooters cannot reach the pump to shuck the shells! Can be found on the used market for around $200.

RE: Benelli Nova VS. Rem 870...need to know
 

If you're willing to spend about $400 then I would strongly consider the Stoeger 2000 semi auto 12 guage. Excellent shot gun.

Tom

RE: Benelli Nova VS. Rem 870...need to know
 

870! I've had one for 20 years and have never had a mechanical problem with it...EVER! I've killed everything from doves to squirrels to deer with it.

The NC Dept. of Corrections uses themas their standard issued weapon...I'm sure cost has a lot to do with that decision.

RE: Benelli Nova VS. Rem 870...need to know
 

I asked this same question a few years back under a different name when i wanted my first shotgun. I went with the nova because of the way it felt to me. Remington didnt feel as comftorable in my hands as the Nova did. However i might look into a Winchester 1300 or Browning BPS if i had to do it all over again. I am still very pleased with my Nova dont get me wrong.

RE: Benelli Nova VS. Rem 870...need to know
 

I agree about getting an auto-loader, less recoil, but she wants a pump...go figure. I'm not too concerned with spending some extra money for extra quality, but I want to make sure I'm getting quality. Unfortunately, the reality is that I've got to get a gun for about $400. I hadn't thought about the Winchester 1300, I'll check that out. I am still looking, but I appreciate all the help.

~Patrick

RE: Benelli Nova VS. Rem 870...need to know
 

The browning bps is under or around $400. In my opinion,ya can't beat em.

RE: Benelli Nova VS. Rem 870...need to know
 

Well we didn't get a gun this weekend. She tried out several models and the 870 in 20 ga still was the best fit. However, this wasn't exactly equal opportunity either. The problem seems to be that anything in 12 ga is just too big of a forestock for her small hands. We played with a win 1300 and I liked it, but it was a 12 ga model. I'm planning on going to Gander Mtn this week. They have a good selection of used guns, so maybe we can find one there. I appreciate all the suggestions, and welcome any more. Again tho she is small framed w/ small hands so it does limit the selection. Thanks guys.

~Patrick