Benelli Nova vs Mossberg 500?

[SamF]

I'm planning on getting a new pump shotgun (my first) and right now I'm kind of in a battle between the Benelli Nova and the Mossberg 500... I like the look and features of the nova, but the mossbergs I hear can really take a beating. I also like that the mossberg guns come with ported barrels. I'm kind of curious how easy it is to get barrels ported. I'd imagine it isn't too involved and can easily be done with a trip to gunsmith?

Anyway, anyone out there who have tried both of these shotguns have any opinions that can help me?

For reference, I plan to do mostly skeet and sport shooting with the gun, but may get into hunting later.

[birddog]

Well for starters consider fit to be your first concern.

It's been a while since i've shot a 500 and do remember I didn't like it a bit *my opinion. However I've recently popped a few shells out of a nova and thought it fine. it's a lot diferent than my old 870 wingmaster magnum duck gun I use -I think I'm a bit biased towards my 870- but putting that aside, I liked the nova.

One other thing- i've had considerable work done to my 870 .. an adjustable recoil pad, A trigger pad, the once fully choked 30" barrel has been choked out to #2 sheet, ported and new large dia. red front bead installed.. so it's been 'made' to my liking. I sent it out to R & D CUSTOM BARREL SERVICE who did the barrel work on it and they did an EXCELLENT job. I don't recall what they charged me on an itemized basis but, thier site currently quotes $65 for porting with a turn-around time of 1-3days! Add your shipping to that and you've got a first class job!!

Hope this helps and good luck in your quest.

[fezman]

ive had a mossburg 500 for over 10years that i bought very used at a gun show for 100$. the only problem ive ever had with it is the slide sticks some times because of a worn roll pin in the forestock it has served me well and taken way too much abuse. also there is a ton of after market stuff for the 500 that just isnt readly available for the nova. if i was in the market for a pump gun i would go with the mossburg again.

[birddog]

fezman's right... the 500's i know about have taken a good share of abuse real well! The guys I know that own them are happy with 'em.

[SamF]

Such a tough decision... I guess I should go to the gun store and handle both weapons to see how I like them. The Mossberg LOP might be a little short for me actually, where the nova is a little bigger and would probably fit me better... The nova is also a nicer-looking gun IMO, but it seems most people I talk to say you can't beat the reliability of the mossberg...

Well I still welcome more opinions. It will be a bit before I actually go to make the purchase.

[Waxed Canvas]

Why do you want a ported barrel? They are loud and frankly when ducks or phesants are coming in, you will not think about the recoil. The Nova can be retrofitted with a recoil reducer anyway.

The nova offers rust resistance in the camo version with a chrome barrel. If you are a waterfowler, this is muy importante.

[birddog]

Waxed Canvas - porting helps eliminate barrel jump along with recoil making second shots quicker and easier.

you are right tho... you do get a bit of a "crack" when you're beside it... but, not when you're shooting.

As for adding a pound of wieght to a gun to reduce recoil...I think you guys gotta be crazy not to port a barrel before adding weight!!

Think about that ... you're increasing the wieght of a nova by roughly 15% turning an 8 pound gun into a 9 pound gun... plus throwing off the feel and balance by stuffing it all in the stock... not for me - no thanx!

[ 01-11-2004, 08:42 PM: Message edited by: birddog ]

[SamF]

I just read a great review comparing the tactical versions of the exact 2 guns I'm comparing here. In that review the nova came out a little ahead of the mossberg. I'm leaning towards benelli now. The barrel porting isn't all that important to me. This is going to be my first gun of probably many down the line so I can live with it, and if I really want it I can always have it done. The extra features of the nova also impress me. The final test though will be handling each gun to see how I like it.

Thanks for the opinions guys, it was all helpful. Feel free to continue the discussion... Who knows I may yet change my mind [img]smile.gif[/img]

[M1014]

Sport Shooting-COOL,Jan 2004- "Gun Test" magazine calls it Benelli over the other one.I"ve shot a military 590 which I guess was okay,not a lasting impression for me,a very imposing looking weapon but a real pig too handle.Now about the Nova,smooth,sleek,user friendly,doesn't need extra aftermarket gadgets to so call enhance it,put a Factory mag extension on it,& go.Barrel porting optional,more like barrel shroud for people burns &barrel protection. Later M1014

[ 01-11-2004, 09:02 PM: Message edited by: M1014 ]

[jedd]

I don't intending to step on the feet of happy mossberg owners but, the nova is sweet! I have one and for a pump the thing is as M1014 says, smooth, sleek and user friendly. Benelli re-wrote the books on what a pump could and should be.

birddog- I take it the porting helps a bit eh?

[ 01-13-2004, 07:29 AM: Message edited by: jedd ]