Benelli Nova
The Benelli Nova is Benelli's original pump-action shotgun, built around a one-piece polymer stock and receiver that can't loosen, crack, or warp the way a wood or separately-attached synthetic stock can. The current Nova 3 updates the controls and ergonomics while keeping that same unibody construction. It's available in 12 and 20 gauge, including Nova 3 Tactical configurations and NFA-regulated short-barrel Nova Entry models. Impact Guns carries the Benelli Nova lineup and ships nationwide to your local FFL dealer.
Read our full Benelli Nova Buying Guide ↓
What Makes the Nova's Unibody Construction Different
The Nova's stock and receiver are molded as a single polymer piece around an internal structure, rather than assembled from separate parts. There's no wood-to-metal fit to loosen over time and no separate stock attachment to work its way loose under recoil — a genuine durability advantage in rough field or duty use.
Nova vs. Nova 3: What Changed
The Nova 3 is the current-generation update, refining the ergonomics and controls while keeping the same core one-piece polymer construction that made the original Nova nearly indestructible. Both share the same underlying reliability; the Nova 3 is the version currently in production with updated features.
Nova vs. SuperNova: Which Pump Should You Buy?
The SuperNova replaced the Nova as Benelli's primary pump shotgun, adding a steel-skeleton receiver overmolded with polymer, a rotating bolt head, a larger trigger guard, and a 3.5-inch chamber. The Nova remains available as the more affordable option in 12 and 20 gauge with a 3-inch chamber. If you don't need the 3.5-inch magnum capability or the SuperNova's added refinements, the Nova delivers the same core reliability for less.
Nova 3 Tactical for Home Defense
The Nova 3 Tactical brings an 18.5-inch barrel and ghost ring or ...(rifle) sights to the pump platform, giving buyers a mechanically simple, budget-friendly defensive shotgun alongside Benelli's gas and inertia tactical options.
NFA Short-Barrel Nova Entry Configurations
The Nova Entry drops to a 14-inch barrel and is regulated as a short-barreled shotgun, requiring the standard NFA transfer process. It's built for buyers who have already completed that process and want the shortest possible package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the Nova and SuperNova? The SuperNova adds a steel-skeleton, polymer-overmolded receiver, a rotating bolt head, and a 3.5-inch chamber over the Nova's simpler one-piece polymer build and 3-inch chamber.
Is the Nova reliable for waterfowl hunting? Yes, though hunters running the heaviest 3.5-inch magnum loads should look at the SuperNova instead, since the standard Nova is chambered to 3 inches.
Does the Nova Entry require NFA paperwork? Yes, its 14-inch barrel makes it a short-barreled shotgun requiring the standard NFA transfer process.
What gauge is the Nova available in? 12 gauge and 20 gauge.
See Also: Benelli • Benelli SuperNova • Benelli M4