Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag vs Benelli Nova

[Sean_24]

I'm sure this is a very debatable topic but I have the oportunity to choose one of two guns at no real cost to me. One is a used Benelli Nova and the other is a brand new Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag. Can anyone give me some pro's and con's for each gun and maybe a price comparrison?

Thanks, Sean

[sedrick]

Sean, I have used both in the 3 1/2 capability and in my opinion there is no comparison between the nova and the mossberg. I bought a mossberg when they first came out in 3 1/2 and it broke. I took it in and traded it on a remington 3 1/2 and that broke. I then bought a nova and have been extremly happy/impressed. No jamming and it fits me well. I don't think you can go wrong with the nova.

[lovestohunt]

Sean,

I also have/had both guns. I think the Nova has a better fit but have noticed that most Novas, including mine, have what seems like noisy, loose, slides on the pump. I like the fact that the mossberg is overbored but it kicks like a son of a gun when using 3 1/2" loads (but what pump doesn't). I like the looks of the traditional mossberg, remington guns etc. The nova looks like something out of Buck Rogers in my opinion. Both guns have parts that are readily available but I think the Nova, in the end, will be more reliable. I'm also not sure if the porting on the mossy does anything for you. Just my 2 cents.

[Exe72]

As a response to Lovestohunt's post I've read that the novas slides were made to be loose to acount for ice build up or mud and dirt build up while in the field. This helps the action to remain as smooth as possible while being used.

[rooster52]

I also wonder if barrel porting does anything on shot guns? I bought a Turkey ckoke Tube that is ported for my wifes 20 gauge bantam,can't tell any difference in recoil,patern or any thing?

[ssghelmick]

I've never heard of anyone complaining about the Nova and have a couple of friends that have them but I would have to agree that I'm not wild about the looks. I have several more friends with 835s and they seem to like them and haven't had any troubles. Not much help I know but that's about all I know on this subject.

On another note all of my waterfowl buddies went out and bought these for the 3 1/2"chambers when they came out and told me I should do the same (I never did) and now they all are back to 3" shells for hunting. I dont know if it was the recoil or the price on 3 1/2" shells that made them switch back cause they won't say. Or maybe it was that I still shot as many birds as them using 3". lol


Also I don't know if the porting is effective on shotguns either but I know for a fact it is on my pistols.