Benelli Nova: The Modern Standard for Pump-Action Reliability
In a market saturated with traditional pump-action designs, the Benelli Nova stands out as a marvel of modern firearms engineering. Known for its futuristic aesthetics and rugged durability, the Nova was one of the first shotguns to successfully integrate high-tech polymer with a steel skeletal frame. This monolithic design results in a firearm that is not only exceptionally strong but also impervious to the harshest weather conditions—making it a staple for hunters and tactical enthusiasts at Rangeview Sports.
Monolithic Construction: Strength in Simplicity
The most distinctive feature of the Benelli Nova is its one-piece receiver and buttstock assembly. Unlike traditional shotguns where the stock is bolted to the receiver, the Nova’s receiver is a steel skeleton over-molded with high-resistance polymer.
- Weather Resistance: This construction eliminates the wood-to-metal or plastic-to-metal seams where moisture can collect, preventing rust and wood swelling.
- Weight Efficiency: The use of advanced polymers keeps the shotgun lightweight and easy to maneuver without sacrificing the structural integrity required to handle heavy magnum loads.
- Dual Action Bars: The pump mechanism is supported by dual steel action bars, ensuring a smooth, non-binding stroke that provides the fast cycling Benelli is famous for.
The Innovation of the Magazine Cut-Off Button
One of the most practical features found on the Benelli Nova is the magazine cut-off button located on the underside of the forend. This ingenious “shell stop” allows the shooter to cycle the action and eject a chambered round without releasing another shell from the magazine tube.
This is invaluable in several scenarios:
- Tactical Flexibility: A shooter can quickly swap a buckshot round in the chamber for a slug without needing to empty the entire magazine.
- Safe Obstacle Clearing: Hunters can easily clear the chamber to safely cross a fence or difficult terrain while keeping their magazine loaded and ready for quick re-engagement.
Versatile Variations: Field vs. Tactical
The Benelli Nova is available in two primary configurations, allowing it to excel in vastly different roles.
1. Benelli Nova Field
The Field model is the quintessential hunter’s tool. It features a ventilated rib barrel (available in 24″, 26″, or 28″) and a mid-bead sight. The 12-gauge version is chambered for 3.5-inch magnum shells, giving it the versatility to hunt everything from upland birds to heavy-hitting waterfowl and turkeys. It comes with a set of interchangeable screw-in chokes (IC, M, F) to tailor the pattern to the target.
2. Benelli Nova Tactical
Designed for home defense and law enforcement, the Nova Tactical features a shorter 18.5-inch barrel for better maneuverability in tight spaces. It is typically equipped with either high-visibility ghost-ring sights or traditional open rifle sights. The Tactical model is renowned for its “blind” operation; the controls are intuitively placed and oversized, allowing for positive manipulation even in high-stress, low-light environments.
The Benelli “Nipple” Cap
A small but clever touch of Benelli engineering is found in the magazine cap. The cap features a small protrusion (often called the “nipple”) that is specifically designed to be used as a punch for removing the trigger group pins. This means the Nova can be field-stripped for basic maintenance without the need for any external tools.
For those who prioritize absolute reliability and modern materials over traditional wood and steel, the Benelli Nova remains one of the most capable pump-action shotguns ever produced.