I picked up a Nova combo last fall for $400 brand new on Gunbroker. It came with the cantilever rifled slug barrel and vent rib bird barrel with 4 chokes. I got a great deal. I love the gun so far, I put a Bushnell holosight on the deer barrel and get a 3 inch group at 100yds. It does kick hard with magnum slugs, so I may add the recoil reducer (though with a deer in the sight, I doubt I'll feel a thing). I haven't had a chance to take a deer with it yet as I got it after Shotgun season last year, but this year the whitetailsbetter be very scared.

benelli nova

Personally i like the 870 the nova always felt like shooting a fence post. I know alot of gus that like the nova. But as far as the recoil if you cant handle the load dont shoot it. If you can shoot them both before you buy.

If you can afford it get a SuperNova. Great gun

The Nova has a much more 'natural' feel for me, but I like the moreMonte Carlo style stock. After 15 magnum slug rounds on the range, anything will cause your shoulder to wince. My son has an 870, which I also enjoy shooting, but, for ME, the Nova 'feels' right. All bodies are different, thank god.

I would have to say the 870 mag .Very tough and also very reliable

never shot the nova. But I will tell you that I have and 870 super mag and I would put it against any pump. I have even rowed the boat with mine when the motor broke and the oars were left in the shed.

I had the same debate a year ago and I got the nova. I love it. But the 3.5's do kick something hard. I'm in the process of finding the limbsaver recoil pad for it. But the gun is smooth and very easy to clean. I'm thrilled with my choice.