Description
The Benelli Nova Pump-Action 20-gauge shotgun with a 26-inch barrel and Bottomland camo finish is a field-proven tool for American hunters who demand reliability in wet, muddy, or cold conditions. Whether you’re working a cattail slough for mallards or walking a CRP field for pheasants, this shotgun is built to function without hesitation. For the upland hunter or waterfowler who prefers the lighter recoil and reduced weight of a 20-gauge, the Nova offers a rugged, no-nonsense platform that delivers consistent performance season after season.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Benelli Nova is a pump-action shotgun chambered in 20-gauge, featuring a 26-inch barrel and a 4-round capacity (3 in the magazine tube plus 1 in the chamber). This model is finished in Bottomland camo, a pattern designed to blend into marsh, field, and timber environments. It is primarily intended for hunters—specifically those pursuing waterfowl, upland birds, small game, and turkey. The 20-gauge chambering makes it a strong choice for smaller-framed shooters, younger hunters, or anyone who wants to carry less weight without sacrificing effective range. While the Nova is not typically marketed for home defense or competition, its pump-action reliability and durable construction make it a viable option for general outdoor use and property protection. This shotgun is also suitable for recreational target shooting and clay sports, particularly for those who appreciate a lighter, faster-handling gun.
Key Specifications
- Caliber/Gauge: 20-gauge (accepts 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells)
- Action: Pump-action
- Barrel Length: 26 inches
- Overall Length: Approximately 46.5 inches
- Capacity: 4 rounds (3+1)
- Weight: Approximately 6.2 pounds (unloaded)
- Finish: Bottomland camo dip on synthetic stock and forend; matte black metal components
- Sights: Red bar front sight (adjustable for windage and elevation)
- Stock: Synthetic, with textured grip surfaces and a rubber recoil pad
- Choke System: Accepts Benelli Crio chokes (includes Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full choke tubes)
- Receiver: Anodized aluminum alloy with steel barrel trunnion
- Safety: Cross-bolt safety located at the rear of the trigger guard
Feature Deep-Dive
The Benelli Nova’s receiver is machined from anodized aluminum alloy, which keeps the overall weight low without compromising structural integrity. The barrel is made from high-strength steel and features a monobloc construction, meaning the chamber and barrel are a single piece—this eliminates the potential for misalignment over time. The bolt locks directly into the barrel trunnion, a design borrowed from Benelli’s inertia-driven semi-autos, which provides a solid lock-up and consistent headspace. This system also helps reduce felt recoil by distributing the force through the receiver rather than the stock.
The pump-action mechanism on the Nova is notably smooth, thanks to a dual-action bar system that prevents binding even when the action is cycled quickly. The forend is ergonomically shaped with textured inserts, giving the shooter a secure grip in wet or gloved hands. The slide release button is located just ahead of the trigger guard and is easily accessible without breaking your firing grip. The ejection port is large enough to clear spent shells reliably, and the loading port is beveled for faster reloads—a feature appreciated by hunters who need to top off the magazine in the field.
The Bottomland camo finish is applied using a dip process that covers the stock, forend, and barrel. This pattern uses a mix of brown, green, and tan tones to break up the shotgun’s outline against a variety of natural backdrops. The finish is durable and resistant to scratches, moisture, and UV exposure. The synthetic stock is fitted with a ventilated rubber recoil pad that helps absorb some of the 20-gauge’s manageable recoil, making it comfortable for extended shooting sessions. The stock also has a slight drop at comb and heel, promoting a natural cheek weld and quick target acquisition.
The 26-inch barrel is paired with Benelli’s Crio choke system, which uses a cryogenically treated thread pattern for consistent patterning. The set includes Improved Cylinder (IC), Modified (M), and Full (F) chokes, covering most hunting scenarios from close-range woodcock to distant geese. The barrel is also fitted with a red bar front sight that is adjustable for both windage and elevation, allowing the shooter to fine-tune their point of impact. The sight is protected by a raised rib that runs the length of the barrel, which also helps with heat dissipation.
One of the more practical features of the Nova is its disassembly process. The trigger group can be removed as a single unit by drifting out two pins, making cleaning and maintenance straightforward. The bolt and carrier assembly come out easily through the ejection port, giving you full access to the receiver interior. This is particularly useful after a day in wet or muddy conditions, where thorough cleaning is essential to prevent corrosion. The magazine tube is made from stainless steel, which resists rust from moisture and corrosive primer residue.
Finally, the Nova’s stock is fitted with a sling swivel stud on the forend cap and another on the buttstock, making it easy to attach a sling for carry. The cross-bolt safety is ambidextrous in the sense that it can be operated from either side of the trigger guard, though it is positioned for right-handed shooters by default. The trigger has a clean break with minimal creep, and the trigger pull weight is factory set at around 5.5 pounds—light enough for precise shots but heavy enough to prevent accidental discharge under field conditions.
Ideal Use Cases
- Waterfowl Hunting: The Bottomland camo and 26-inch barrel make this shotgun well-suited for duck blinds, boat blinds, and marsh hunting. The 20-gauge offers reduced recoil and weight, which is an advantage when carrying decoys and gear.
- Upland Bird Hunting: The lightweight build and quick handling of the Nova make it a strong candidate for walking fields and timber edges in pursuit of pheasants, quail, grouse, or woodcock. The 26-inch barrel balances swing speed with effective range.
- Small Game Hunting: Rabbit, squirrel, and other small game can be taken effectively with the included Improved Cylinder choke and standard field loads. The 4-round capacity is adequate for most small game scenarios.
- Turkey Hunting: With a Full choke installed, the Nova can deliver tight patterns at typical turkey ranges. The 20-gauge with 3-inch shells provides enough energy for clean kills on birds within 40 yards.
- Recreational Target Shooting: The Nova functions well for informal target shooting, trap, or skeet. The 20-gauge’s lighter recoil makes it a good choice for introducing new shooters to the sport.
Compatibility Notes
- Ammunition: This shotgun accepts 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells. Do not use 3.5-inch shells, as they are not compatible. Standard field loads, target loads, and magnum loads all function reliably.
- Chokes: The Nova uses Benelli Crio chokes, which are interchangeable with other Crio-choked Benelli shotguns. Aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson’s, Patternmaster, and Trulock are available in Crio threads.
- Accessories: The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts or ghost ring sight systems. Picatinny rails and saddle mounts are available from third-party manufacturers. The stock accepts standard sling swivel studs.
- Holsters and Magazines: The Nova does not use detachable magazines; it has a fixed tubular magazine. Holsters are not applicable, but soft cases and gun socks are recommended for transport and storage.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Standard 20-gauge cleaning kits and bore brushes work with this barrel. Use a choke tube wrench (included) to remove and install chokes. Benelli recommends light oiling on the action bars and bolt.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can this shotgun be shipped directly to my home?
No. Federal law requires that all firearms purchased from a licensed dealer be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state. We will ship the Benelli Nova to the FFL dealer you choose during checkout. You must arrange the transfer with that dealer before we ship. We cannot ship to PO boxes or APO addresses for firearms.
2. How does the FFL transfer process work?
After placing your order, you will need to provide the name and address of a local FFL dealer who is willing to accept the transfer. We will contact that dealer to confirm their license and shipping details. Once the firearm arrives at the dealer, you will complete a Form 4473 and pass a NICS background check (if required by your state) before taking possession. Transfer fees are set by the receiving dealer and are not included in our price.
3. What type of ammunition can I use in this shotgun?
This Benelli Nova is chambered for 20-gauge shells with lengths of 2.75 inches or 3 inches. Steel shot, lead shot, bismuth, and other non-toxic loads are all compatible as long as they are within these dimensions. Do not attempt to use 3.5-inch shells or any 20-gauge shell longer than 3 inches. Always follow the ammunition manufacturer’s pressure ratings and use loads appropriate for the choke you have installed.
4. What is the warranty on this Benelli Nova?
Benelli USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. This covers the firearm’s receiver, barrel, and internal components under normal use. The warranty does not cover damage from misuse, unauthorized modifications, or normal wear and tear. To file a warranty claim, contact Benelli USA directly with proof of purchase. We also offer a 30-day return policy for defects in manufacturing (see below).
5. What is your return policy for firearms?
We accept returns on firearms only if they are defective or if we shipped the wrong item. Returns must be initiated within 30 days of delivery. The firearm must be unfired and in its original packaging. We will provide a prepaid shipping label for the return to our facility. Once the item is inspected and the defect is confirmed, we will issue a refund or exchange. We do not accept returns for change of mind or for firearms that have been fired. All returns must comply with federal and state
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