From Humble Beginnings to Iconic Status
The pump-action shotgun stands as a symbol of versatility, reliability, and power in the world of firearms. For generations, these firearms have been trusted for hunting, home defense, sport shooting, and more. Their simplicity, robust nature, and effectiveness against a variety of targets make them a perennial favorite. But with a market filled with options, how does one choose the right pump-action companion? This article dives into a comprehensive comparison, pitting two titans of the pump-action world against each other: the **Benelli Nova** and the **Remington 870**. We’ll explore their strengths and weaknesses, helping you to discern which shotgun best fits your specific needs and shooting style.
Let’s first delve into the history that has shaped these two pump-action giants. The Remington 870, a name synonymous with the word “shotgun,” boasts a long and storied legacy. Its story began in the post-World War II era, a time when innovation and ingenuity were driving new technologies. Introduced in 1950, the Model 870 rapidly gained popularity, becoming a staple in police departments, military forces, and the hunting fields across the globe. The Remington 870’s initial success was attributed to its rugged design, its smooth pump action, and its affordable price point. Generations of hunters and shooters have relied on its consistent performance, building the 870’s reputation as one of the most trusted shotguns ever made. Its simple yet effective design provided a reliable platform for various gauge and barrel configurations, solidifying its place in firearm history.
The **Benelli Nova**, while carrying a shorter history, has quickly established itself as a formidable competitor. Benelli Armi SpA, an Italian firearms manufacturer known for its innovative designs, introduced the Nova in the late 1990s. The Nova represented a modern approach to the pump-action shotgun. It was designed from the ground up to be durable, reliable, and user-friendly. The Nova quickly distinguished itself with its use of advanced materials and a focus on ergonomics, designed to withstand the harshest conditions and provide comfortable handling. Its streamlined appearance and innovative features set it apart from its more traditional counterparts.
Examining the Core Differences: Construction and Materials
One of the most significant distinctions between the **Benelli Nova** and the **Remington 870** lies in their construction and the materials they employ. The **Remington 870** is typically known for its use of steel. Its receiver, the heart of the firearm, is usually constructed from high-strength steel, providing robust durability and resistance to wear and tear. Steel, a time-tested material, offers exceptional strength and contributes to the shotgun’s overall weight. This heavier build can translate to better recoil management, particularly when firing heavier loads. However, steel can be susceptible to corrosion if not properly maintained, requiring regular cleaning and care to prevent rust.
Conversely, the **Benelli Nova** distinguishes itself with its innovative use of advanced composite materials. Its receiver is typically crafted from a reinforced polymer, which offers a number of advantages. Polymer construction results in a significantly lighter shotgun, which can make a considerable difference during extended carrying or in scenarios requiring quick maneuvering. The polymer is also inherently resistant to corrosion and weather elements, making the Nova a great choice for use in adverse conditions. This modern approach allows the Nova to withstand the harshest environments. The use of polymer also contributes to the streamlined aesthetic of the shotgun, giving it a contemporary appearance. While polymer’s resistance to harsh conditions is well-known, some shooters may still prefer the traditional feel and perceived durability of an all-steel receiver.
Feeling the Difference: Ergonomics and Handling
The way a firearm feels in your hands is crucial to its user experience. Both the **Benelli Nova** and **Remington 870** offer distinct ergonomic designs. The **Remington 870** typically features a traditional wood or synthetic stock and a separate forend. The stock’s dimensions, along with the overall length of the shotgun, can greatly affect the fit for the shooter. The 870’s design promotes a familiar feel, providing a solid and stable platform for aiming and firing. Many shooters find the balance of the 870 to be ideal, especially those accustomed to traditional firearms. This tried-and-true design promotes comfortable handling and aiming for many users.
The **Benelli Nova**, on the other hand, takes a more modern approach to ergonomics. It often features a one-piece construction, integrating the stock and forend seamlessly. This design, often overmolded with rubber or textured materials, enhances the user’s grip, even in wet conditions. The Nova’s design is often described as feeling more comfortable and easier to handle for extended periods. The grip and forend typically offer a more secure grasp, enabling quick manipulation. The Nova’s overall design often caters to modern shooting styles, making it well-suited for rapid target acquisition.
Smooth Action and Reliability Under Pressure
The pump action is the essence of both shotguns. The smoothness and reliability of this mechanism are vital to overall performance. The **Remington 870**, over its long history, has gained a solid reputation for a smooth pump action. With proper care and maintenance, the 870 is capable of offering consistent performance over a very long time. Some users may report occasional hiccups in the action, particularly if the shotgun isn’t well maintained or is used in very dirty environments.
The **Benelli Nova** is known for its smooth and robust pump action. Benelli’s design emphasizes reliability, even in the face of adverse conditions. The Nova’s internal mechanism is often designed with simplicity in mind, minimizing the chances of mechanical failures. Its robust construction and design promote consistent and reliable operation. The Nova’s design is often considered to be exceptionally resistant to dirt and debris, making it a good choice for hunting or use in wet and muddy conditions.
Weighing the Options: Weight and Balance
The weight and balance of a shotgun can significantly affect how it feels and handles. The **Remington 870**, owing to its steel construction, generally has a slightly heavier feel than the **Benelli Nova**. This added weight can be an advantage for recoil management, especially when shooting heavier loads. The weight also provides a sense of stability, helping to keep the gun steady during aiming. This steadiness can be particularly useful for longer-range shots or in situations requiring precision. However, the added weight can make it slightly less maneuverable, particularly during extended use or rapid transitions.
The **Benelli Nova**, because of its polymer construction, is notably lighter. This lighter weight can make the Nova more comfortable to carry, especially during long hunts or for those who value quick handling. The lighter weight also contributes to the Nova’s quicker swing and maneuverability, making it well-suited for rapid target acquisition. The balance point of the Nova also contributes to its feel; typically, the balance feels good, making it easy to point and aim.
Managing Recoil: A Matter of Control
Recoil is a critical factor in the shooting experience, and both shotguns manage it in their own way. The **Remington 870**, due to its heavier build, often offers a smoother recoil experience. The added mass absorbs some of the energy of the shot, reducing the felt recoil. The 870 often comes with a factory recoil pad that helps mitigate the shock of firing.
The **Benelli Nova**, while lighter, is designed to effectively manage recoil. Its ergonomics and design help to distribute the forces of recoil, and its recoil pad is designed to absorb shock. The Nova’s overall design can provide a comfortable shooting experience, and its lightweight nature allows for faster follow-up shots.
Capacity and Magazine Considerations
Both the **Benelli Nova** and **Remington 870** generally come with standard magazine capacities. The Remington 870 usually comes with a magazine capable of holding a certain number of shells, often depending on the barrel length and any modifications. The Benelli Nova, too, typically comes with a standard capacity, but the number of shells may vary.
Both shotguns offer the possibility of increasing the capacity with the use of magazine extensions. These modifications can expand the number of rounds the shotguns can hold.
Customization and the Aftermarket
The ability to customize a firearm is a key factor for many shooters, and both the **Benelli Nova** and **Remington 870** have strong aftermarket support. The **Remington 870**, with its long history, enjoys an enormous range of aftermarket parts and accessories. From stocks and forends to sights and magazine extensions, the 870 can be customized to meet nearly any need. This widespread availability makes it a favorite for those who enjoy tinkering and personalizing their firearms.
The **Benelli Nova**, though newer to the scene, also benefits from a strong aftermarket. Though there are potentially fewer parts available, many options are available to customize the Nova, including tactical stocks, magazine extensions, and a variety of sights.
Hitting the Target: Accuracy and Performance
Accuracy in shotguns, while dependent on the specific loads and chokes used, is vital to its performance. Both the **Remington 870** and **Benelli Nova** are capable of excellent accuracy. Barrel length, choke selection, and ammunition type are significant factors.
The **Remington 870**, with its traditional design, is known for consistent accuracy. Its accuracy is dependent on the use of proper ammunition and choke selection. The **Benelli Nova**, with its modern construction, also delivers excellent accuracy. The accuracy of the Nova, too, can be optimized through the correct use of ammunition and choke selection.
Pros and Cons: A Quick Recap
The **Remington 870** offers several key advantages: a proven track record, abundant aftermarket support, and a generally smoother recoil experience. However, it may be somewhat heavier, and some models may have potential reliability issues.
The **Benelli Nova** boasts robust construction, great handling, and exceptional reliability. It is also lightweight and easy to maneuver. However, it may be more expensive than some 870 models, and some shooters may not prefer the feel of its polymer design.
Choosing Your Perfect Match: Recommendation and Guidance
The ultimate choice between the **Benelli Nova** and **Remington 870** depends on your individual needs and preferences.
The **Remington 870** is generally a good choice for those who appreciate the traditional feel of a classic shotgun. It is often a good choice for hunters, those on a budget, or those seeking a wide array of customization options.
The **Benelli Nova** is a great choice if you want rugged durability, lightweight handling, and a modern design. It is ideal for those seeking a reliable shotgun that is resistant to harsh conditions and ideal for fast target acquisition.
Carefully consider the factors we’ve discussed in this article, from construction and materials to ergonomics and handling, to determine the perfect pump-action shotgun for your specific purposes.
Concluding Thoughts: Making the Right Choice
In the end, both the **Benelli Nova** and the **Remington 870** are excellent pump-action shotguns. They each bring unique strengths to the table. Assess your needs, consider your shooting style, and try handling both shotguns to make an informed decision. The right choice is the one that feels best in your hands and suits your intended use. Good luck, and happy shooting!
