Opinions need on 3 shotguns

[familywgn]

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.:confused: 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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

870.

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

[soldiercraig]

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

[familywgn]

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]

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]

"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]

870

[familywgn]

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

[Unbreakable]

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]

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]

870 for all the reasons already listed

[lon371]

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.