Description
Whether you’re working a duck blind in the Mississippi flyway, walking a Kansas cornfield for pheasants, or simply wanting a reliable home-defense tool that cycles everything from 2¾-inch target loads to 3½-inch magnums, the Benelli Nova Pump-Action 12 Gauge with a 24-inch barrel delivers predictable, no-nonsense performance. This shotgun is built for shooters who value durability over frills, and its synthetic stock and forend stand up to rain, mud, and saltwater without a second thought. For the U.S. shooter who needs a pump gun that works every time, the Nova is a straightforward choice.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Benelli Nova is a pump-action shotgun chambered in 12 gauge with a 3½-inch chamber, allowing it to handle the full spectrum of 12-gauge ammunition — from light target loads to heavy waterfowl and turkey loads. This specific model features a 24-inch barrel, a black synthetic stock and forend, and a 4-round capacity (3 in the magazine tube plus 1 in the chamber). It is designed for hunters who need a compact, fast-handling shotgun for tight cover, as well as for home-defense users who prefer the reliability of a pump action. Target shooters will appreciate the smooth cycling and comfortable recoil pad, while collectors will recognize it as a workhorse from a respected Italian manufacturer. This is not a safe queen; it is a tool for the field and the range.
Key Specifications Breakdown
- Caliber: 12 Gauge (accepts 2¾-inch, 3-inch, and 3½-inch shells)
- Capacity: 4 rounds (3+1 configuration)
- Barrel Length: 24 inches
- Overall Length: Approximately 44.5 inches
- Weight: Approximately 7.2 pounds (unloaded)
- Stock and Forend: Black synthetic polymer with textured gripping surfaces
- Finish: Matte black metal finish on barrel and receiver
- Sights: Red bar front sight with a metal bead; receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mount
- Choke System: Crio® choke tubes (usually includes Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder)
- Receiver Material: Aluminum alloy with steel insert
- Safety: Cross-bolt trigger safety
- Action: Pump-action with a rotating bolt head
Feature Deep-Dive
The Benelli Nova’s receiver is machined from lightweight aluminum alloy, but it features a steel insert that locks the barrel and magazine tube together. This design reduces overall weight without sacrificing the structural integrity needed for repeated high-pressure 3½-inch loads. The rotating bolt head, borrowed from Benelli’s inertia-driven semi-autos, provides a secure lockup that contributes to consistent chambering and extraction, even when the action is cycled rapidly. The result is a pump gun that feels solid in the hands and cycles with a smooth, positive stroke.
The 24-inch barrel is a notable feature for this model. While many pump shotguns ship with 26- or 28-inch barrels, the shorter 24-inch length makes the Nova more maneuverable in dense brush, tree stands, or tight hallways. The barrel is treated with Benelli’s Crio® finishing process, which cryogenically treats the steel to relieve stress and improve consistency. This, combined with the Crio choke system, helps produce tighter, more uniform patterns. The barrel also features a ventilated rib that aids in quick target acquisition and heat dissipation during extended shooting sessions.
The synthetic stock and forend are not merely cosmetic. Benelli uses a fiberglass-reinforced polymer that resists warping, cracking, and swelling from moisture. The stock has a textured grip area and a soft rubber recoil pad that reduces felt recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot heavy magnum loads. The forend is ergonomically shaped with finger grooves and a textured surface, ensuring a secure grip even with wet or gloved hands. The entire firearm is designed to function in temperatures from freezing to sweltering without binding or degradation.
One of the Nova’s less obvious but valuable features is its takedown system. The gun can be disassembled without tools by simply removing a single screw at the front of the magazine cap. This makes cleaning and maintenance straightforward, which is important for shooters who use their shotgun in dirty environments like marshes or dusty fields. The trigger guard is oversized to accommodate gloved fingers, and the cross-bolt safety is positioned for easy access without shifting your grip. These are small details, but they add up to a gun that works well under real-world conditions.
The Nova’s action bars are made from steel and are housed in a polymer carrier that reduces friction. This design helps the gun cycle smoothly even when dirty or lightly lubricated. The magazine tube is a fixed length, and the spring is designed to handle the full range of shell lengths without binding. The gun feeds reliably from the magazine, and the shell carrier is shaped to minimize the chance of pinching fingers during loading. For a pump-action shotgun in this price range, the Nova offers a level of refinement that speaks to Benelli’s manufacturing standards.
Finally, the Nova includes a set of three Crio choke tubes (Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder) that allow the shooter to tailor the pattern for different game or shooting scenarios. The chokes are interchangeable by hand with the included wrench, and the Crio treatment is applied to the chokes as well as the barrel. This means the shooter can switch from tight turkey patterns to open spreads for close-flushing birds without sacrificing consistency. The receiver is also drilled and tapped for mounting optics, should the user choose to add a red dot or scope for slug hunting or home defense.
Ideal Use Cases
- Waterfowl and Upland Hunting: The 24-inch barrel and 3½-inch chamber make this shotgun effective for ducks, geese, and pheasants in heavy cover. The synthetic stock withstands wet conditions, and the Crio chokes provide pattern flexibility.
- Home Defense: The compact length, pump-action reliability, and 4-round capacity make it a practical choice for home defense. The short barrel allows for easier maneuvering in confined spaces, and the bead sight is quick to acquire.
- Target Shooting and Practice: The Nova cycles target loads reliably, and the recoil pad makes extended range sessions more comfortable. The drilled and tapped receiver allows for mounting a red dot for slug shooting.
- Turkey Hunting: With the included Full choke and the ability to handle 3½-inch magnum loads, this shotgun is suitable for turkey hunting at moderate ranges. The synthetic stock and forend are quiet against brush.
Compatibility Notes
This Benelli Nova accepts all standard 12-gauge ammunition with shell lengths from 2¾ inches to 3½ inches. It is compatible with lead, steel, bismuth, and tungsten-based shot, making it suitable for both lead-permitted and non-toxic shot requirements. The gun uses a standard 3-inch 12-gauge choke thread pattern (Benelli Crio), but aftermarket chokes from companies like Carlson’s or Patternmaster that are designed for Benelli Crio barrels will fit. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard Weaver-style scope base, and many aftermarket red dot mounts are available. Holsters are not applicable for a full-size shotgun, but soft cases, slings, and magazine tube extensions (where legal) can be added. The Nova does not accept Benelli M2 or M4 forends or stocks; only parts specifically designed for the Nova model will fit.
FAQ Section
1. Can this shotgun be shipped to my address in the United States?
No. Because this is a firearm, it cannot be shipped directly to a residence. We ship all firearms to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer in your state. You will need to select an FFL holder during checkout or provide your preferred dealer’s license information. We will ship to that dealer for you to complete the transfer and background check.
2. How does the FFL transfer process work?
After you place your order, we will request a copy of the receiving FFL’s license. Once we verify it, we ship the firearm to that dealer. You will then visit the dealer, pay any applicable transfer fee (set by the dealer, not by us), and complete a Form 4473 and a NICS background check. Once approved, the firearm is yours. This process is standard for all firearm purchases from licensed retailers.
3. What ammunition is compatible with this Benelli Nova?
This shotgun is chambered for 12-gauge shells from 2¾ inches up to 3½ inches. It will cycle all standard pressure loads, including target loads, field loads, and magnum waterfowl or turkey loads. It is also compatible with steel shot, lead shot, and other non-toxic alternatives. We recommend using quality factory ammunition for best reliability.
4. Does this shotgun come with a warranty?
Yes. Benelli USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty covers the firearm for its usable life but does not cover normal wear, misuse, or modifications. Warranty service is handled through Benelli USA, and we recommend registering your firearm on their website after purchase.
5. What is your return policy for firearms?
We accept returns on firearms only if they are unused, unfired, and in original packaging within 30 days of delivery. Once a firearm is transferred to you through an FFL, it cannot be returned for change of mind. If there is a manufacturing defect, the issue is handled under the manufacturer’s warranty. We do not accept returns on used or transferred firearms. Please inspect the firearm at your FFL before accepting the transfer.
Closing Call to Action
This Benelli Nova Pump-Action 12 Gauge with a 24-inch barrel is ready to ship to your local FFL dealer anywhere in the United States. Order now from csfirearms.com, and we will handle the shipping and FFL coordination. If you have questions about compatibility or the transfer process, our team is available to assist.
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