Benelli Nova Pump Action Shotgun Ghost Ring Sights $399.98

Description

The Benelli Nova Pump Action Shotgun with an 18-inch barrel and ghost ring sights, priced at $399.98, offers a practical option for U.S. shooters seeking a reliable firearm for home defense or tactical use. This model brings together the ruggedness of Benelli’s inertia-assisted pump system with a compact configuration that suits close-quarters scenarios. For those looking to secure a functional shotgun without exceeding a modest budget, this package provides solid value for civilian, law enforcement, and security applications.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Benelli Nova Pump is a synthetic-stocked, pump-action shotgun chambered in 12 gauge, designed to handle a range of tasks from home defense to target shooting. It is a suitable choice for shooters who need a straightforward, durable firearm that can cycle a variety of 12-gauge loads reliably. This model is intended for civilian owners who prioritize self-defense, recreational shooting at the range, or occasional hunting of small game and waterfowl. Collectors may also appreciate the Nova’s reputation for robust construction and its place in Benelli’s pump-action lineup. It is not a specialized competition gun, but it can serve well for informal clay shooting or tactical drills.

Key Specification Breakdown

• Caliber: 12 Gauge (2.75-inch and 3-inch shells)
• Capacity: 4+1 (4 rounds in the magazine tube, 1 in the chamber)
• Barrel Length: 18 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 39.5 inches
• Finish: Matte black synthetic stock and forend; matte black metal receiver and barrel
• Weight: Approximately 7.1 pounds (unloaded)
• Sights: Ghost ring rear aperture sight with a red front post
• Stock: One-piece synthetic stock with textured gripping surfaces
• Choke: Fixed cylinder bore (typical for tactical barrel configurations)
• Action: Pump-action with Benelli’s rotating bolt system
• Safety: Cross-bolt trigger safety

Feature Deep-Dive

The Benelli Nova’s receiver is constructed from a single piece of high-strength aluminum alloy, which reduces weight without compromising structural integrity. This design also eliminates the need for a separate trigger housing, simplifying maintenance and reducing the number of potential failure points. The bolt locks directly into the barrel extension, a feature more commonly found on Benelli’s semi-automatic shotguns, which contributes to consistent cycling and extraction under varied conditions.

The 18-inch barrel is threaded for Benelli’s Crio chokes, though this specific model ships with a fixed cylinder bore that is well-suited for buckshot and slug loads. The cylinder bore pattern provides a wider spread at close range, which is beneficial for home defense scenarios where target acquisition speed matters more than tight shot patterns. The barrel also features a ventilated rib, which aids in heat dissipation and provides a sight plane for the ghost ring setup.

Ghost ring sights consist of a rear aperture with a large, easy-to-acquire ring and a red front post. This sight system allows for rapid target alignment, especially in low-light conditions, and is a step up from standard bead sights. The rear aperture is fully adjustable for windage and elevation, enabling shooters to zero the shotgun for specific slug loads or distances. This is a practical upgrade for those who want precision beyond what a bead sight offers, without the added cost or weight of an optical sight.

The synthetic stock and forend are made from a reinforced polymer that resists impact, moisture, and temperature changes. The forend features textured grooves that provide a secure grip even with wet or gloved hands. The stock includes a rubber recoil pad at the butt, which helps manage the recoil of 12-gauge loads during extended shooting sessions. The overall length of pull is approximately 14.25 inches, which suits most adult shooters, though it may feel short for users with longer arms.

Cleaning and disassembly are straightforward due to the Nova’s modular design. Removing the barrel requires loosening a single magazine cap, and the trigger assembly can be taken out without tools for cleaning or inspection. The rotating bolt system uses three lugs to lock into the barrel extension, and the extractor is a robust claw-type that handles both brass and plastic shell bases reliably. The magazine tube is made from steel and can be easily cleaned with standard shotgun solvents.

The cross-bolt safety is located at the rear of the trigger guard, which is a common and intuitive placement for pump-action shotguns. The trigger pull is consistent and breaks at around 5 to 6 pounds, which is acceptable for a defensive firearm. The action itself cycles smoothly when operated with authority, though like all pump guns, short-stroking can occur if the forend is not fully cycled. The Nova’s action is known for being forgiving in this regard, thanks to its oversized action bars and robust slide assembly.

Ideal Use Cases

• Home Defense: The 18-inch barrel and ghost ring sights make this shotgun easy to maneuver in hallways and doorways. The 4+1 capacity provides enough rounds for most defensive situations, and the cylinder bore works well with buckshot for close-range stopping power.
• Range Shooting: Suitable for informal target practice with birdshot or slugs. The ghost ring sights allow for precise shot placement at distances out to 50 yards with slugs.
• Hunting: While the fixed cylinder bore limits its effectiveness for waterfowl or turkey hunting at longer ranges, it can be used for upland game or deer hunting with slugs, provided local regulations allow shotgun use.
• Training: A solid platform for new shooters learning pump-action mechanics, as the Nova’s reliability and simple controls reduce frustration during practice.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: This shotgun cycles all standard 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells, including birdshot, buckshot, and slugs. It is not recommended for use with 3.5-inch magnum shells, as the chamber and action are not designed for that length. Steel shot is safe to use due to the chrome-lined barrel.
• Holsters: No specific holsters exist for this shotgun, but sling mounts are included (one on the stock, one on the magazine cap) for attaching a two-point or single-point sling.
• Magazines: The magazine tube is fixed and cannot be replaced with aftermarket extended tubes without gunsmithing. However, magazine extensions from companies like Nordic Components or Choate may be compatible with minor modifications.
• Accessories: The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, though the ghost ring sights are intended to be the primary sighting system. Aftermarket stocks and forends from companies like Mesa Tactical or Hogue are available, but fitting may require some adjustment. The barrel can be swapped with other Benelli Nova barrels of different lengths, provided they are the same gauge and choke type.
• Chokes: While the barrel is fixed cylinder bore, it can be replaced with a threaded barrel if choke versatility is needed. Benelli offers Crio choke tubes for the Nova in various constrictions.

FAQ Section

Q: Can this shotgun be shipped to my address in the U.S.?
A: Yes, we ship to all U.S. states where the firearm is legal to own. However, we cannot ship to P.O. boxes or APO/FPO addresses. The shotgun must be shipped to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer for transfer, unless your state allows direct shipment to individuals with a valid license. Please check your local laws before ordering.

Q: How does the FFL transfer process work?
A: After you place an order, we will contact you for the contact information of your chosen FFL dealer. Your dealer must send us a copy of their current FFL license. Once we verify the license, we ship the shotgun to them. You then visit the dealer, complete the required background check (NICS), and pay any transfer fees the dealer charges. We recommend contacting your FFL before ordering to confirm they accept transfers.

Q: What ammunition is compatible with this shotgun?
A: This shotgun is compatible with 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells in all common loads—birdshot, buckshot, and slugs. It is not rated for 3.5-inch magnum shells. For optimal reliability, we suggest using high-brass or quality low-brass loads during break-in. Steel shot is safe due to the chrome-lined barrel.

Q: What warranty covers this firearm?
A: Benelli offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials or workmanship. This warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or modifications. If you encounter an issue, you can contact Benelli USA directly for service. We also offer a 30-day return policy for defective items, subject to inspection.

Q: What is your return policy for this shotgun?
A: We accept returns within 30 days of delivery if the firearm is unused, in its original packaging, and has not been transferred via FFL. Once a firearm is transferred to you by an FFL, it is considered used and cannot be returned. For defective items, we will work with you and Benelli to resolve the issue, which may include repair or replacement at our discretion.

Closing CTA

This Benelli Nova Pump Action Shotgun with ghost ring sights is available now for $399.98, with shipping to all eligible U.S. states via licensed FFL dealers. If you have questions about availability, transfer procedures, or compatibility, contact our team for assistance. Order through our website to secure this model for your home defense or range needs.