Opinions need on 3 shotguns

familywgn · March 28, 2008, 09:28 PM

Hay all, I went looking at 12 gauges today, and found out that you can actually buy a Benelli for under $350.

The 870 was indeed heavy and the Benelli was much lighter and sports a fiber optic sight, and the Mossberg was nice, but not really in the same class as the other two.

Starting at $250 for the 500, $299 for the 870, and $330 for the Nova.

Which brings up my question.

Out of the three which do you prefer? And more importantly, why?

Thanks for all the help.

btw, I will mostly be using my shotgun for small game, until dove and quail seasons later this year.

.351winchester · March 29, 2008, 12:34 AM

Of those, 870, for commonality. Looks like you really want the Nova, go for it-with the built in recoil reducer and the light bird you'll feed it, the lighter weight won't beat you.
The Supernova is a 3.5" Mag (and under), and has different stock options. On the Nova, the stock is like part of the reciever.

Got my heart set on a Mossberg 930 auto.

RoscoeC · March 29, 2008, 12:59 AM

I have 3 870's and love them. They are virtually indestructible. However, having said that I can tell you that the 870 gets pretty heavy after a full day of toting it around. The Benelli might be a better choice for your application. I recently bought a Stoeger M2000 for hunting duty primarily because it is so light. The lighter weight and Benelli's excellent reputation might sway me in that direction.

chris in va · March 29, 2008, 03:07 AM

I really didn't warm up to the Nova. The action is balky at best. I missed many shots just because it didn't cycle smoothly.

Forget trying to find parts for it at your local sporting goods store unless it's a Cabela's or something.

I'm much happier with my Mossberg. The thing practically cycles itself.

BTW you can do better than $250 for the Mossberg if you look around. I got mine *barely* used at Gander Mountain for $160.

mikenbarb · March 29, 2008, 06:55 AM

If your set on a pump you should also look at the Stoeger P-350. I have owned one for 2 years and have had good luck with it. Its pretty much the same as the Benelli but a little cheaper. If I had to choose from the three, I would go with the 870 because of the options and parts availibility being unlimited with aftermarket goodies you could add on down the line. Also you could lighten it up quite a bit with a good synthetic stock and forearm.

Dave McC · March 29, 2008, 10:36 AM

870.

The others are not bad, the 870's the standard by which all pumps are measured....

soldiercraig · March 29, 2008, 11:35 AM

The 870 can take a real beating and will keep on shooting. I own one and love it.

familywgn · March 29, 2008, 12:50 PM

After posting above I started doing some searching. Boy are Benelli parts expensive. Dang barrels cost more than the gun. I'll still keep it on the list for now, but I will bump it down.

Thanks for all the info so far, keep it coming

rem870hunter · March 29, 2008, 04:06 PM

870 or 500. yes the 870 gets heavy after awhile. but an auto would be heavier. my dad stopped carrying his 1100 10 years ago it got too heavy carring around. even slung on your shoulder. he liked alot for duck hunting early morning cold, he found it stressfull to pump the ithaca on fast shots.we have nothing against ithaca though.

.351winchester · March 29, 2008, 05:26 PM

"After posting above I started doing some searching. Boy are Benelli parts expensive. Dang barrels cost more than the gun."

Same story (barrels) with 870s and 500s, in a way, but with those you can find deals alot easier.
I like the Nova (the tactical mod. w/ PGS and Rifle Sights), the cocking motion felt a little odd, like a youth model gun, got a hunch I'd have a problem with short stroking. And a little TOO light for my taste in a shotty, recoil irrelevant. They are quality guns though, and really tempting when they now have models priced lower than Remmy's. A few years back they were for elite clay shooters and SWAT guys. An 870 would definately be the more practical choice, for your purposes, go with the one you like more.
The 870 can be infinately re-configured to ideal for any use a shotgun has. More than any other pump.

556A2 · March 29, 2008, 05:44 PM

870

familywgn · March 30, 2008, 12:39 AM

not to get too off topic on my own thread, but does anyone here stalk small game with a single shot?

Unbreakable · March 30, 2008, 01:42 AM

I own a Benelli M1S90 and it's a wonderful shotgun. But it's an auto and more expensive. As far as pumps go you can't go wrong with the 870. They are built like tanks and the extra weight is worth the trouble. The main thing that turns me on about the 870 is that it's reciever is steel. i've owned Mossbergs and they're fine shotguns but they can't take the punishment that a 870 can. And no Mossberg I've ever owned had the smooth quick action that an 870 has after about 500 rounds. Most of it is going to be preference but if you like both the Nova and 870... then I'd go with the one that holds the most shells. I mean if both are equal quality as far as you're concerned and both feel good when you shoulder them... it would just come down to capacity for me. But I personally think the 870 is the better weapon.

Unbreakable · March 30, 2008, 01:43 AM

One other note... For me it would be a big selling point whichever had an 18" barrel but was still threaded for chokes. Give you way more options.

darkknight650 · March 30, 2008, 08:17 AM

870 for all the reasons already listed

lon371 · March 30, 2008, 06:13 PM

I have 500's in 410-20-12. I bought the 12 8 years ago for $100.. I have hunted squirrel-deer,deer-pheasant-quail-dove and have killed a bunch of clay pigeons. As of this moment I have never changed any parts or has it broke or wore any parts. Did I mention it was a 3 year old used gun? Freind of mine bought it new, used it for pheasant. The 410-20 were bought in he last5 years for the kids to hunt deer. They have worked flawlessly as well.
I am sure I could buy a bunch of cool gadgets, but we use our guns. Now if you want a closet queen, buy somthing fancy with the cool stuff. I know of several guys using 870s and love them. Good luck.

March 28, 2008, 09:28 PM	#1
familywgn Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2005 Posts: 136	Opinions need on 3 shotguns Hay all, I went looking at 12 gauges today, and found out that you can actually buy a Benelli for under $350. The 870 was indeed heavy and the Benelli was much lighter and sports a fiber optic sight, and the Mossberg was nice, but not really in the same class as the other two. Starting at $250 for the 500, $299 for the 870, and $330 for the Nova. Which brings up my question. Out of the three which do you prefer? And more importantly, why? Thanks for all the help. btw, I will mostly be using my shotgun for small game, until dove and quail seasons later this year. __________________ S&W .357 NAA Mini .22 Ruger LCP Beretta Neos .22

March 29, 2008, 12:59 AM	#3
RoscoeC Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2006 Location: DFW Metromess Posts: 562	I have 3 870's and love them. They are virtually indestructible. However, having said that I can tell you that the 870 gets pretty heavy after a full day of toting it around. The Benelli might be a better choice for your application. I recently bought a Stoeger M2000 for hunting duty primarily because it is so light. The lighter weight and Benelli's excellent reputation might sway me in that direction. __________________ “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." --Helen Keller "Do not cry havoc when you should but hunt with modest warrant." --William Shakespeare Glock Certified Armorer NRA Life Member

March 29, 2008, 06:55 AM	#5
mikenbarb Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2007 Location: N.J. Posts: 1,111	If your set on a pump you should also look at the Stoeger P-350. I have owned one for 2 years and have had good luck with it. Its pretty much the same as the Benelli but a little cheaper. If I had to choose from the three, I would go with the 870 because of the options and parts availibility being unlimited with aftermarket goodies you could add on down the line. Also you could lighten it up quite a bit with a good synthetic stock and forearm. __________________ Mike B. Gun control= Being able to hit your target. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pifinnercircle

March 29, 2008, 11:35 AM	#7
soldiercraig Member Join Date: March 29, 2008 Location: Colorado springs, co Posts: 98	The 870 can take a real beating and will keep on shooting. I own one and love it. __________________ "I have learned that there are troubles of more than one kind, some come from ahead and some come from behind, but I've brought a big bat, I am all ready you see, now my troubles are going to have troubles with me" -Dr. Seuss

March 29, 2008, 12:50 PM	#8
familywgn Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2005 Posts: 136	After posting above I started doing some searching. Boy are Benelli parts expensive. Dang barrels cost more than the gun. I'll still keep it on the list for now, but I will bump it down. Thanks for all the info so far, keep it coming __________________ S&W .357 NAA Mini .22 Ruger LCP Beretta Neos .22

March 29, 2008, 12:34 AM	#2
.351winchester Junior member Join Date: December 31, 2005 Location: MI Posts: 1,013	Of those, 870, for commonality. Looks like you really want the Nova, go for it-with the built in recoil reducer and the light bird you'll feed it, the lighter weight won't beat you. The Supernova is a 3.5" Mag (and under), and has different stock options. On the Nova, the stock is like part of the reciever. Got my heart set on a Mossberg 930 auto.

March 29, 2008, 03:07 AM	#4
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	I really didn't warm up to the Nova. The action is balky at best. I missed many shots just because it didn't cycle smoothly. Forget trying to find parts for it at your local sporting goods store unless it's a Cabela's or something. I'm much happier with my Mossberg. The thing practically cycles itself. BTW you can do better than $250 for the Mossberg if you look around. I got mine barely used at Gander Mountain for $160.

March 29, 2008, 10:36 AM	#6
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	870. The others are not bad, the 870's the standard by which all pumps are measured....

March 29, 2008, 04:06 PM	#9
rem870hunter Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2007 Location: N.J. and trying to decide what state to move to. Posts: 973	870 or 500. yes the 870 gets heavy after awhile. but an auto would be heavier. my dad stopped carrying his 1100 10 years ago it got too heavy carring around. even slung on your shoulder. he liked alot for duck hunting early morning cold, he found it stressfull to pump the ithaca on fast shots.we have nothing against ithaca though. __________________ BEAR Bows,Remington shotguns,Marlin rifles

March 29, 2008, 05:26 PM	#10
.351winchester Junior member Join Date: December 31, 2005 Location: MI Posts: 1,013	"After posting above I started doing some searching. Boy are Benelli parts expensive. Dang barrels cost more than the gun." Same story (barrels) with 870s and 500s, in a way, but with those you can find deals alot easier. I like the Nova (the tactical mod. w/ PGS and Rifle Sights), the cocking motion felt a little odd, like a youth model gun, got a hunch I'd have a problem with short stroking. And a little TOO light for my taste in a shotty, recoil irrelevant. They are quality guns though, and really tempting when they now have models priced lower than Remmy's. A few years back they were for elite clay shooters and SWAT guys. An 870 would definately be the more practical choice, for your purposes, go with the one you like more. The 870 can be infinately re-configured to ideal for any use a shotgun has. More than any other pump.

March 29, 2008, 05:44 PM	#11
556A2 Member Join Date: February 17, 2008 Location: Asheboro, NC Posts: 57	870

March 30, 2008, 12:39 AM	#12
familywgn Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2005 Posts: 136	not to get too off topic on my own thread, but does anyone here stalk small game with a single shot? __________________ S&W .357 NAA Mini .22 Ruger LCP Beretta Neos .22

March 30, 2008, 01:42 AM	#13
Unbreakable Senior Member Join Date: June 29, 2006 Posts: 171	I own a Benelli M1S90 and it's a wonderful shotgun. But it's an auto and more expensive. As far as pumps go you can't go wrong with the 870. They are built like tanks and the extra weight is worth the trouble. The main thing that turns me on about the 870 is that it's reciever is steel. i've owned Mossbergs and they're fine shotguns but they can't take the punishment that a 870 can. And no Mossberg I've ever owned had the smooth quick action that an 870 has after about 500 rounds. Most of it is going to be preference but if you like both the Nova and 870... then I'd go with the one that holds the most shells. I mean if both are equal quality as far as you're concerned and both feel good when you shoulder them... it would just come down to capacity for me. But I personally think the 870 is the better weapon.

March 30, 2008, 01:43 AM	#14
Unbreakable Senior Member Join Date: June 29, 2006 Posts: 171	One other note... For me it would be a big selling point whichever had an 18" barrel but was still threaded for chokes. Give you way more options.

March 30, 2008, 08:17 AM	#15
darkknight650 Junior Member Join Date: February 21, 2008 Posts: 2	870 for all the reasons already listed

March 30, 2008, 06:13 PM	#16
lon371 Senior Member Join Date: September 1, 2007 Location: S.Indiana Posts: 252	I have 500's in 410-20-12. I bought the 12 8 years ago for $100.. I have hunted squirrel-deer,deer-pheasant-quail-dove and have killed a bunch of clay pigeons. As of this moment I have never changed any parts or has it broke or wore any parts. Did I mention it was a 3 year old used gun? Freind of mine bought it new, used it for pheasant. The 410-20 were bought in he last5 years for the kids to hunt deer. They have worked flawlessly as well. I am sure I could buy a bunch of cool gadgets, but we use our guns. Now if you want a closet queen, buy somthing fancy with the cool stuff. I know of several guys using 870s and love them. Good luck.