Benelli Nova 3: The Ultimate Entry-Level Tactical Shotgun

Introduction to the Benelli Nova 3

The world of shotguns has seen many innovations over the years, but few have made as significant an impact as Benelli's Nova series. The latest iteration, the Nova 3, continues this legacy of innovation while maintaining the reliability and simplicity that shotgun enthusiasts have come to expect. This 12-gauge pump-action shotgun represents Benelli's commitment to providing high-quality firearms at an entry-level price point.

The Evolution of the Nova

To understand the significance of the Nova 3, we need to look back at its predecessors. In the late 1990s, Benelli introduced the original Nova, a shotgun that challenged conventional design norms. At a time when pump-action shotguns had become somewhat stagnant in their development, Benelli brought forth a revolutionary concept.

The original Nova featured a one-piece receiver and buttstock made from steel-reinforced polymer. This unconventional construction method was both innovative and controversial at the time. However, it quickly proved its worth by creating an incredibly durable and weather-resistant shotgun.

Hunters and sport shooters soon recognized the Nova's qualities:

• Exceptional durability
• Resistance to harsh weather conditions
• Lightweight design
• Reliable performance

These features set a new standard for pump-action shotguns, establishing the Nova as a formidable competitor to established models like the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500.

Key Improvements in the Nova 3

The Nova 3 builds upon this strong foundation with several key improvements:

1. Refined Chamber Design

One of the most significant changes in the Nova 3 is the reduction of the chamber from 3.5 inches to 3 inches. While this might seem like a step backward at first glance, it actually offers several advantages:

• Faster Cycling: The shorter chamber reduces the cycling stroke by 14%, allowing for quicker follow-up shots.
• Improved Handling: The reduced length contributes to better overall balance and handling.
• Compatibility: The 3-inch chamber still accommodates the most common shotgun loads used for hunting and self-defense.

2. Integration of the "Gold Face"

Benelli has incorporated the "Gold Face" system from their renowned M4 semi-automatic shotgun into the Nova 3. This feature enhances the shotgun's reliability across various conditions:

• Improved performance in mud, rain, and dust
• Consistent cycling in adverse environments
• Increased longevity of critical components

3. Enhanced Ergonomics

The Nova 3 features several ergonomic improvements:

• Diamond Grip Stock: Offers an aggressive texture for a secure hold without causing discomfort.
• Enlarged Loading Port: Facilitates faster and more efficient reloads.
• Shell Stop Button: Located under the forend, this feature allows for quick load changes without emptying the entire magazine.

Hands-On Experience with the Nova 3

Having spent time with the Nova 3 on the range, several aspects of its performance stand out:

Lightweight Design

The Nova 3 is noticeably light for a shotgun in its class. This lightweight construction offers several benefits:

• Easier handling and maneuverability
• Reduced fatigue during extended use
• Improved portability for hunters and home defense scenarios

Despite its light weight, the Nova 3 maintains excellent balance, which is crucial for quick target acquisition and follow-up shots.

Recoil Management

Shotguns are known for their substantial recoil, but the Nova 3 manages this well:

• The buttstock design helps absorb much of the recoil
• The pump-action mechanism naturally mitigates some of the felt recoil
• Even with defensive loads, the recoil remains manageable

It's worth noting that while the Nova 3 handles recoil well for its class, it still delivers the authoritative feedback expected from a 12-gauge shotgun.

Trigger Performance

The trigger on the Nova 3 is a standout feature:

• Minimal take-up
• Clear, defined wall
• Crisp break
• Short, positive reset

This trigger quality is often overlooked in pump-action shotguns but contributes significantly to the overall shooting experience and accuracy.

Sighting System

The Nova 3 comes equipped with ghost ring sights, which prove to be highly effective:

• Quick target acquisition
• Precise aiming for slugs or buckshot at longer ranges
• Robust construction to withstand recoil and rough handling

While the Nova 3 can accommodate optical sights, many users may find the stock sighting system more than adequate for most applications.

Practical Applications

The Benelli Nova 3 is designed as a versatile, all-purpose shotgun. Its capabilities make it suitable for various applications:

Home Defense

The Nova 3's features align well with home defense requirements:

• Compact enough for indoor maneuvering
• Reliable cycling for high-stress situations
• Capacity of 7+1 rounds provides ample firepower
• Ghost ring sights allow for precise shot placement

Hunting

Hunters will appreciate the Nova 3's versatility:

• Lightweight design reduces fatigue during long hunts
• Weather-resistant construction performs well in harsh conditions
• 3-inch chamber accommodates most hunting loads
• Quick load-changing capability via the shell stop button

Tactical Applications

For law enforcement or tactical users, the Nova 3 offers:

• Durability to withstand rigorous use
• Fast cycling for rapid follow-up shots
• Compatibility with various ammunition types
• Potential for customization and accessory mounting

Customization and Accessories

While the Nova 3 comes well-equipped out of the box, there's room for customization:

• Picatinny rail for mounting optics or lights
• Aftermarket chokes for different shooting applications
• Sling attachment points for various carrying options
• Potential for stock adjustments or replacements

Maintenance and Longevity

The Nova 3's design prioritizes ease of maintenance:

• Simple disassembly for cleaning
• Durable materials resist wear and corrosion
• Minimal moving parts reduce potential failure points
• Readily available replacement parts

With proper care, the Nova 3 should provide years of reliable service, making it a sound investment for both novice and experienced shooters.

Comparing the Nova 3 to Competitors

To fully appreciate the Nova 3's position in the market, it's worth comparing it to some of its main competitors:

Remington 870

The Remington 870 has long been a standard in pump-action shotguns:

• Similarities: Both are reliable pump-actions with a strong following
• Differences: The Nova 3 offers a more modern design and potentially better weather resistance

Mossberg 500

Another popular choice, the Mossberg 500 is known for its versatility:

• Similarities: Both offer a range of configurations for different uses
• Differences: The Nova 3's one-piece receiver design may offer superior durability

Winchester SXP

The Winchester SXP is known for its fast cycling:

• Similarities: Both focus on quick follow-up shots
• Differences: The Nova 3's ergonomics and sighting system may give it an edge in some scenarios

Price Point and Value

With an MSRP of around $529, the Benelli Nova 3 positions itself as a high-value option in the pump-action shotgun market:

• More affordable than many semi-automatic options
• Competitive pricing compared to other high-end pump-actions
• Offers features typically found on more expensive models

This pricing strategy makes the Nova 3 accessible to a wide range of shooters while still delivering premium features and performance.

Potential Drawbacks

While the Nova 3 offers many advantages, it's important to consider potential drawbacks:

• The polymer construction may not appeal to traditionalists who prefer all-metal shotguns
• The 3-inch chamber limit may be a concern for those who frequently use 3.5-inch magnum loads
• Some users may find the ghost ring sights less intuitive than traditional bead sights

Conclusion

The Benelli Nova 3 represents a thoughtful evolution of the pump-action shotgun. It combines time-tested reliability with modern materials and design concepts to create a versatile, user-friendly firearm. Whether for home defense, hunting, or tactical applications, the Nova 3 offers a compelling package at an attractive price point.

Key takeaways include:

• Lightweight yet durable construction
• Improved cycling speed and ergonomics
• Excellent trigger and sighting system
• Versatility for various shooting applications
• Competitive pricing for its feature set

For both newcomers to shotguns and experienced shooters looking for a reliable, all-purpose firearm, the Benelli Nova 3 deserves serious consideration. It successfully balances tradition with innovation, creating a shotgun that's ready to meet the demands of modern shooters across a wide range of scenarios.

As with any firearm purchase, potential buyers should handle and, if possible, test-fire the Nova 3 to ensure it meets their specific needs and preferences. However, based on its features, performance, and value proposition, the Benelli Nova 3 stands as a strong contender in the pump-action shotgun market, continuing Benelli's tradition of firearms innovation.

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