Benelli Nova, Pump, 12 Gauge, 28” Barrel, Realtree Max-7 Camo, 4+1

Description

The Benelli Nova pump in 12 gauge with a 28” barrel and Realtree Max-7 camo offers reliable cycling and a 4+1 capacity for hunting or home defense. For the American shooter, this shotgun brings a proven combination of weather-resistant construction and consistent action to the field, the range, or the nightstand. Whether you’re working a waterfowl blind in a November rain or checking on a noise at 2 AM, the Nova is built to function without excuses.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Benelli Nova is a pump-action shotgun chambered in 12 gauge, designed for shooters who need a durable, low-maintenance firearm that performs in varied conditions. It is not a boutique piece or a safe queen; it is a working gun for hunters, home defenders, and recreational shooters. This model, with its 28-inch barrel and Realtree Max-7 camo finish, is particularly suited for waterfowl and upland bird hunters who value concealment and swing weight. It also serves as a straightforward choice for those setting up a dedicated home defense shotgun, as the pump action is intuitive under stress. Collectors may appreciate the Benelli pedigree, but this is a tool first, intended for regular use.

Key Specifications Breakdown

• Caliber: 12 Gauge (2.75-inch and 3-inch shells compatible)
• Capacity: 4+1 (four rounds in the magazine tube, one in the chamber)
• Barrel Length: 28 inches
• Overall Length: 49.5 inches
• Weight: Approximately 7.2 pounds (unloaded)
• Finish: Realtree Max-7 camo pattern over a synthetic stock and forend; barrel and receiver have a matte black anodized finish
• Stock: Synthetic, with a rubber recoil pad and a textured grip area
• Sights: Red bar front sight with a white bead; drilled and tapped for scope mount bases
• Choke System: Benelli Crio System (includes Modified, Improved Cylinder, and Full chokes)
• Action: Pump-action with a rotating bolt head
• Safety: Cross-bolt trigger block safety

Feature Deep-Dive

The Benelli Nova’s receiver is machined from a single piece of aluminum alloy, which keeps weight down while providing a solid foundation for the action. This monocoque design eliminates the need for a separate trigger plate housing, reducing the number of parts that can shift or fail over time. The result is a receiver that stays consistent season after season, even when exposed to mud, snow, or saltwater. The synthetic stock and forend are attached directly to this receiver, creating a seamless interface that resists moisture and impacts.

The pump action itself uses a dual-action bar system, which ensures smooth cycling and reduces the chance of binding when the action is worked quickly. The rotating bolt head locks into the barrel extension, a feature more common on semi-autos than pump guns, providing a secure lockup that handles high-pressure loads without issue. The bolt also features a large, easy-to-grasp handle, which is helpful when wearing gloves in cold weather. The forend has a textured surface and a slight palm swell, giving the shooter a positive grip during rapid cycling.

The 28-inch barrel includes Benelli’s Crio System, where the bore is cryogenically treated to relieve stress in the steel. This process is said to improve consistency in shot patterns by reducing barrel harmonics. The barrel is paired with a set of three Crio choke tubes (Modified, Improved Cylinder, Full), which are longer than standard chokes and have a smoother internal taper. This design can help produce denser patterns at longer ranges, which matters when you’re reaching for ducks or pheasants. The barrel also has a ventilated rib, which aids in heat dissipation and provides a consistent sight plane.

The Realtree Max-7 camo pattern is applied to the stock and forend using a dip process that bonds the film to the synthetic material. This pattern is optimized for open water and marsh environments, with lighter tones that blend into flooded timber and cattail edges. The camo is not painted over the metal parts, so the barrel and receiver retain their matte black finish, which reduces glare. The stock features a rubber recoil pad that is moderately soft, helping to manage the recoil of 12 gauge loads without adding excessive length of pull.

The magazine tube holds four rounds, and the gun ships with a simple spring and follower. The tube is not easily removable, which keeps the overall profile clean and prevents snagging on brush. Loading is straightforward through the bottom port, and the lifter is designed to accept shells smoothly without pinching fingers. The cross-bolt safety is located at the front of the trigger guard, within easy reach of the trigger finger, and is positive in engagement. The trigger itself has a clean break with some take-up, typical of a pump-action shotgun intended for field use.

Ideal Use Cases

• Waterfowl Hunting: The 28-inch barrel and Realtree Max-7 camo are a natural fit for duck and goose blinds. The 3-inch chamber handles magnum loads, and the Crio chokes allow pattern adjustment for decoying birds or pass shooting.
• Upland Bird Hunting: The gun’s weight and balance make it manageable for walking fields. The Improved Cylinder choke is useful for close-flushing birds, while the Modified choke covers longer shots.
• Home Defense: The 4+1 capacity and pump action provide a simple, reliable platform. The synthetic stock resists damage from impact, and the matte finish reduces visibility in low light.
• Range Shooting: The Nova cycles target loads reliably, making it a practical choice for clay sports or casual patterning. The ventilated rib helps with fast target acquisition.

Compatibility Notes

This shotgun cycles 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells without adjustment. It will handle light target loads, though some break-in may be required with very low-pressure ammunition. The gun is not designed for 3.5-inch magnum shells. The Benelli Crio choke tubes are specific to Benelli and are not interchangeable with standard Remington or Beretta chokes. Aftermarket chokes from companies like Carlson’s or Patternmaster are available in the Crio thread pattern. The stock is not easily adjustable for length of pull, but aftermarket recoil pads can be installed. There is no accessory rail on the receiver, but the drilled and tapped holes accept standard scope bases for mounting a red dot or low-power scope. Magazine tube extensions are not commonly available for this model due to the fixed tube design. The gun will fit most soft cases designed for 28-inch barrel shotguns.

FAQ Section

1. How does shipping to the U.S. work for this shotgun?
We ship to all 50 states, but only to Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders. After you place the order, we will need your chosen FFL dealer’s contact information. We will verify their license and ship the firearm via a common carrier. You will need to complete a Form 4473 and pass a background check at the receiving FFL before taking possession.

2. What is the FFL transfer process?
Once you select an FFL dealer, provide us with their name, address, and license number. We will confirm their license is current, then ship the Benelli Nova to them. The dealer will charge a transfer fee (typically $20–$50, not included in our price). You then go to the dealer, fill out the ATF Form 4473, undergo a NICS background check, and take the shotgun home. We cannot ship directly to your home address.

3. What ammunition is compatible with this shotgun?
This shotgun is chambered for 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12 gauge shells. It will function with birdshot, buckshot, and slugs. We recommend using shells with a minimum velocity of 1200 fps for reliable cycling in all conditions. Avoid using 3.5-inch shells, steel shot heavier than BB, or non-toxic loads that exceed SAAMI pressure ratings. The Crio chokes are rated for steel shot, but always check the choke tube markings before use.

4. What is the warranty on this Benelli Nova?
Benelli USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner. This covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the firearm. It does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications. If you encounter an issue, contact Benelli USA directly with proof of purchase. We recommend keeping your sales receipt for warranty registration.

5. Can I return this shotgun if I change my mind?
We accept returns on unused, unfired firearms within 30 days of delivery, subject to a 15% restocking fee. The firearm must be returned in its original packaging with all choke tubes and paperwork. Once received and inspected, we will process the refund minus the fee. Firearms that have been fired or modified cannot be returned. All return shipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility, and we require shipment to an FFL dealer for compliance with federal law.

Closing CTA

This Benelli Nova pump is in stock and ready to ship to your local FFL dealer anywhere in the United States. We are a licensed firearms retailer and handle all federal and state compliance for your order. If you have questions about fit, choke selection, or the ordering process, contact our team directly. Add the Benelli Nova to your cart, and we will confirm your FFL details before processing the shipment.