Everybody has their own favorite, and mine happens to be the nova. As far as the rattle, a turn on each side of the forearm with an allen wrench eliminates that problem. Very tough, reliable huntin gun, plain and simple.

I agree I have a 870 express mag. I average well over 1500 shells a yr through it and have never had any problems. They are cheap durable and handle well. If you want to see it pattern go to the undertaker post and look at the 30 yrd shot on the target.

Thanks for all the replies

If you guys are paying $500 for a NOVA you should shop around some. I got my NOVA 24" camo for $366 (regular price). The 870 SPS-T was $500. The rattling forearm doesn't bother me after using it. Usually I hold the gun by the forearm OR carrying it on the sling the forearm is against my body. NO RATTLES while actually in use.

I like the NOVA. Excellent gun for the money.

Powduck the shelf price locally is $279 for the plain jane and 329 for camo.Your right it does pay to shop there are some shops asking almost a hundred dollars more . I owned one myself but sold it because of the way it felt when I shouldered it , I just didn't care for the fit . I much prefer my 870 magnum .

I got a Nova and a an 870. I'd buy an 870 any day over the week as my first choice for a shotgun...it just happens to be under $500.

the nova is synthetic so u can bang it around a lil bit and its 3 1/2 which all pumps u can get them in that

Well i dont wanna sound rude but has anyone heard of the BPS? Bought mine for 450 a couple years ago, have used it flawlessly. Went thru a heard of guns b4 i decided too so no bias in purchasing. I am a fan of the 1300 Wins too, good guns. My wife bought one this year and loves it! My sister purchased the 20 GA compact model last week, put about 300 rounds thru it allready bustin clays. Any way it all boils down to fit near as i can tell. Just my 2 cents.............

If you're price range is $500, you should definitely look at the Remington 870 SPS or the Ithaca Turkeyslayer. Both are at or under 500, and you can't get a much better hunting shotgun than an Ithaca.

However, as most have said, you can easily spend $250-350 and have an excellent, durable gun...

Your choice...you can check out Ithaca's at www.ithacagun.com

I think that i am going with the nova, but the ithica looks really nice too.