Description
The Benelli Nova pump-action shotgun in 12 GA with a 28-inch barrel and 4+1 capacity offers reliable performance for hunting and home defense in a durable Bottomland finish. For the American shooter who values a workhorse firearm that cycles everything from target loads to 3.5″ magnum shells, this shotgun delivers consistent function across the seasons. Whether you’re patterning turkeys in the spring woods, chasing waterfowl across a flooded cornfield, or keeping a trusted platform for home defense, the Nova stands as a practical choice for shooters who demand dependability without unnecessary complexity.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Benelli Nova is a pump-action shotgun designed for shooters who need a versatile, corrosion-resistant firearm that handles the full spectrum of 12-gauge ammunition. This specific model features a 28-inch barrel, a 4+1 capacity (four in the magazine tube, one in the chamber), and a Bottomland finish—a camouflage pattern suited for wetland and upland environments. The Nova is built for hunters who pursue waterfowl, turkey, deer, and small game, as well as for those who want a reliable home-defense shotgun that can also serve at the range. It is also a solid option for collectors who appreciate Benelli’s engineering heritage, though its primary value lies in field use. This is not a competition shotgun, but it will function for casual clay shooting or recreational plinking.
Key Specification Breakdown
- Caliber/Gauge: 12 Gauge, accepting 2.75″, 3″, and 3.5″ shells
- Capacity: 4+1 (4 rounds in the magazine tube, 1 in the chamber)
- Barrel Length: 28 inches
- Overall Length: Approximately 49.5 inches
- Weight: Approximately 7.2 pounds (unloaded)
- Finish: Bottomland camouflage pattern over synthetic stock and forend
- Receiver: Aluminum alloy with anodized finish
- Sights: Red bar front sight (adjustable for elevation and windage)
- Choke System: Benelli Crio system with interchangeable choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F typically included)
- Stock: Synthetic, with a rubber recoil pad and textured grip areas
- Safety: Cross-bolt trigger safety, located at the rear of the trigger guard
- Action: Pump-action with rotating bolt head
Feature Deep-Dive
The Benelli Nova’s receiver is machined from a lightweight aluminum alloy, then anodized to resist corrosion. This keeps the overall weight manageable at just over 7 pounds, which reduces fatigue during long days in the field or when carrying the shotgun for home defense. The Bottomland finish is applied to the synthetic stock, forend, and barrel, providing a durable coating that holds up against scratches, moisture, and exposure to mud or saltwater. The finish is not just cosmetic; it helps the shotgun blend into marsh, forest, and prairie environments.
The Nova uses Benelli’s proprietary rotating bolt head, which locks into the barrel extension for a secure chamber seal. This design contributes to the shotgun’s ability to handle high-pressure 3.5″ magnum loads without excessive wear. The bolt rotates during the pump cycle, ensuring positive extraction and feeding across a wide range of shell lengths. The action bars are made from steel and ride on polymer bushings, which reduce friction and keep the pump stroke smooth even after hundreds of rounds. The forend is ergonomically shaped with textured panels for a secure grip, wet or dry.
The 28-inch barrel is paired with Benelli’s Crio choke system, which uses a cryogenically treated process to improve pattern consistency. The barrel is back-bored to reduce felt recoil and improve shot column integrity. The included choke tubes allow the shooter to adjust pattern density for different game or target presentations. The red bar front sight is easy to acquire in low light, making it functional for early morning or late evening hunts. The sight is adjustable, so you can zero the shotgun to your preferred point of impact.
The synthetic stock features a raised comb that aligns the shooter’s eye naturally with the rib, promoting consistent cheek weld. The stock has a rubber recoil pad that measures approximately one inch thick, which helps mitigate the sharp recoil of 3.5″ shells. The length of pull is 14.375 inches, which fits most adult shooters. The stock also includes a sling swivel stud for attaching a carrying sling. The forend has a similar sling stud, making it easy to mount a two-point sling for hands-free carry.
The magazine tube is made from steel and holds four 2.75″ shells. The tube can accept 3″ or 3.5″ shells, though capacity will reduce to three or two rounds respectively. The magazine spring is robust, ensuring reliable feeding even when the tube is fully loaded. The loading port is beveled for easier thumb loading, and the lifter is designed to prevent pinching. The cross-bolt safety is positioned where it can be reached without shifting your grip, and it is reversible for left-handed shooters. The trigger is crisp for a pump-action, with a pull weight averaging around 5.5 pounds.
Ideal Use Cases
Hunting: The Nova is built for waterfowl, turkey, and upland game. The 28-inch barrel provides good swing and balance for pass shooting, while the 3.5″ chamber allows you to use heavy loads for geese or large turkeys. The Bottomland finish is effective in marsh and field settings. The Crio choke system gives you flexibility for close-range quail or long-range ducks.
Home Defense: With a 28-inch barrel, this shotgun is manageable for home defense use, though shorter-barreled models may be easier to maneuver indoors. The 4+1 capacity is adequate for most defensive scenarios, and the ability to cycle 2.75″ buckshot or slugs reliably makes it a solid choice for protecting your property. The red bar front sight is visible in low light.
Range and Recreational Shooting: The Nova handles target loads without issue, making it suitable for casual clay shooting or patterning practice. The weight and recoil pad make it comfortable for extended sessions. The choke system allows you to adjust for different clay disciplines.
Collectors: The Benelli Nova is a modern classic with a strong reputation for durability. Collectors may appreciate the Bottomland finish as a specific variant, though the Nova is primarily a functional tool rather than a limited-edition piece.
Compatibility Notes
- Ammunition: This shotgun cycles 2.75″, 3″, and 3.5″ 12-gauge shells. It will function with light target loads, standard field loads, and heavy magnum loads. Steel shot, bismuth, and lead shot are all acceptable. Slugs and buckshot are also compatible.
- Choke Tubes: Uses Benelli Crio choke tubes. Aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson’s or Patternmaster are available in Crio thread pattern. Standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes are not compatible—only Crio-specific tubes fit.
- Holsters: Not applicable for a full-size shotgun. Sling mounts are standard for carrying.
- Magazines and Accessories: The magazine tube is fixed. Aftermarket magazine extensions are not recommended without professional installation, as they may affect reliability. Picatinny rail mounts for optics can be added via the receiver’s pre-drilled holes. The stock can be replaced with aftermarket options, but the Nova uses a unique recoil system that should be considered before modification.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Use standard shotgun cleaning kits. The rotating bolt head requires occasional lubrication. The synthetic stock and finish are easy to clean with mild soap and water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this shotgun be shipped directly to my home in the U.S.?
A: No. Federal law requires that all firearms shipped to an individual must be transferred through a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. We ship the Benelli Nova to a licensed FFL dealer of your choice. You will need to coordinate with that dealer to complete the transfer, which includes a background check. We do not ship to PO boxes or APO addresses for firearms.
Q: How does the FFL transfer process work?
A: After placing your order, you will need to provide us with the name and address of a local FFL dealer who is willing to accept the transfer. We will verify the dealer’s license and ship the shotgun to them. The dealer will then contact you to complete the transfer paperwork. Transfer fees are set by the dealer and are not included in the purchase price. You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a shotgun from a licensed dealer, and you must pass a federal background check.
Q: What types of ammunition can I use in this shotgun?
A: The Benelli Nova is chambered for 2.75″, 3″, and 3.5″ 12-gauge shells. It will safely fire lead, steel, bismuth, and tungsten-based shot, as well as slugs and buckshot. We recommend using ammunition that meets SAAMI specifications. Avoid using reloaded or damaged ammunition, as it may cause malfunctions or safety issues. Always check your choke tube’s compatibility with steel shot—full and extra-full chokes are not recommended for steel shot.
Q: What is the warranty on this shotgun?
A: Benelli USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty covers the firearm for its service life, provided it has not been modified, abused, or improperly maintained. Cosmetic wear and normal maintenance items (such as springs and o-rings) are not covered. For warranty service, you will need to contact Benelli USA directly with proof of purchase.
Q: What is your return policy for firearms?
A: Due to federal regulations and safety considerations, we cannot accept returns on firearms once they have been shipped from our facility. All sales of firearms are final. If there is a defect or damage during shipping, we will work with you and the manufacturer to resolve the issue. Please inspect the shotgun at your FFL dealer before accepting the transfer. If you have questions about the product before purchase, contact our customer service team for clarification.
Closing Call to Action
The Benelli Nova pump-action shotgun in 12 GA with a 28-inch barrel and Bottomland finish is a reliable field gun that handles the full range of 12-gauge ammunition. We ship this firearm to licensed FFL dealers across all 50 U.S. states. Check your local regulations before ordering, and contact us if you need assistance finding a dealer. Add the Nova to your cart to begin the transfer process.
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