Benelli Nova Pump Youth 20GA Black Shotgun 20036 – Optic Authority

Description

For young hunters and smaller-framed shooters across the United States, finding a shotgun that balances manageable size with reliable performance is often a challenge. The Benelli Nova Pump Youth 20GA Black Shotgun 20036, offered exclusively through Optic Authority, is designed to meet this need directly. Whether you’re introducing a new shooter to the field or looking for a lighter, more maneuverable scattergun for upland birds, this model provides a proven action in a compact package.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Benelli Nova Pump Youth 20GA is a purpose-built shotgun for shooters who require a reduced length of pull and a lighter overall weight without sacrificing the durability of a full-sized firearm. This model is chambered in 20-gauge, which offers significantly less recoil than a 12-gauge, making it a practical choice for younger hunters, women, or anyone with a smaller frame. It is not a tactical or competition-focused shotgun; rather, it is a field-grade pump action intended for hunting, recreational target shooting, and home defense where maneuverability and ease of handling are priorities. This firearm is also suitable for collectors who appreciate Benelli’s reputation for robust, inertia-driven pump systems, though its primary role is as a functional tool for the field or range.

Key Spec Breakdown

• Caliber: 20 Gauge (2.75-inch and 3-inch shells compatible)
• Capacity: 4+1 rounds (4 in the magazine tube, 1 in the chamber)
• Barrel Length: 24 inches
• Overall Length: 44.5 inches
• Length of Pull: 13 inches (youth-specific stock)
• Weight: Approximately 5.8 pounds (unloaded)
• Finish: Black synthetic stock and matte black metal receiver and barrel
• Sights: Red bar front sight with a metal bead
• Choke System: Benelli Crio System (interchangeable chokes; includes IC, M, and F tubes)
• Receiver Material: Aluminum alloy with an anodized matte black finish
• Stock Material: Fiberglass-reinforced synthetic polymer
• Action: Pump-action with a rotating bolt head

Feature Deep-Dive

The Benelli Nova Pump Youth 20GA is built around a monocoque receiver, meaning the receiver and stock are a single, continuous piece of polymer. This design eliminates the traditional stock-to-receiver joint, which reduces the number of potential failure points and contributes to the shotgun’s overall strength. The synthetic material is resistant to weather, moisture, and impacts, making it a reliable choice for use in wet or muddy conditions common during waterfowl or upland hunts. This one-piece construction also helps keep the weight low—under six pounds—without compromising structural integrity.

The pump-action mechanism on this Nova model is notably smooth, thanks to Benelli’s dual-action bars and a rotating bolt head that locks securely into the barrel extension. This system provides consistent feeding and extraction with a variety of 20-gauge loads, from light target shells to heavier 3-inch magnum rounds. The bolt design also contributes to the shotgun’s ability to cycle reliably in adverse conditions, such as when the action is dirty or lightly lubricated. For a youth or smaller-framed shooter, the reduced effort required to cycle the action is a practical advantage, as it minimizes fatigue during extended shooting sessions.

The 24-inch barrel is a key feature for this model, as it balances handling and ballistic performance. A shorter barrel makes the shotgun quicker to swing and easier to maneuver in tight spaces, such as a duck blind or a brushy field. The Benelli Crio System, which cryogenically treats the barrel steel, is included to improve consistency in shot patterns. While the barrel is not threaded for chokes in the traditional sense, it uses Benelli’s Crio chokes, which screw directly into the barrel. The shotgun comes with improved cylinder, modified, and full choke tubes, giving the shooter flexibility for different game and distances.

The youth-specific stock has a length of pull of 13 inches, which is shorter than the standard 14.25 inches found on adult models. This dimension is critical for proper fit, as it allows the shooter to mount the gun consistently without overextending their arms. The comb is slightly raised to align the eye naturally with the barrel’s sight plane, and the stock features a rubber buttpad to absorb some of the recoil from magnum loads. The forend is ergonomically contoured with checkering, providing a secure grip even with wet or gloved hands.

Maintenance on the Benelli Nova is straightforward, as the shotgun disassembles without tools for cleaning. The barrel can be removed by unscrewing the magazine cap, and the bolt assembly comes out after pulling the action slide. The synthetic stock and receiver require no special care beyond basic cleaning, and the metal components are protected by a matte black anodized finish that resists rust and scratches. This simplicity makes the Nova a low-maintenance option for a shooter who wants to spend more time shooting and less time on upkeep.

Ideal Use Cases

Hunting: This shotgun is well-suited for upland game birds like pheasant, quail, and grouse, as well as for waterfowl hunting when used with the appropriate choke and non-toxic shot. The 20-gauge chambering and 24-inch barrel make it effective for walking fields or marsh edges where quick target acquisition matters. It is also a practical choice for small game hunting, such as rabbit or squirrel.

Home Defense: The compact size and low weight of the Nova Youth make it a viable option for home defense, particularly for individuals who find full-length shotguns cumbersome. The 4+1 capacity is sufficient for most defensive scenarios, and the pump action provides a tactile means of chambering a round. The synthetic stock and receiver are durable enough for storage in a closet or under a bed.

Recreational Target Shooting: For clay pigeon sports like trap, skeet, or sporting clays, this shotgun can serve as an entry-level or backup gun. The interchangeable choke system allows the shooter to adjust the pattern for different disciplines, and the reduced recoil of the 20-gauge makes it comfortable for longer practice sessions.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: This shotgun accepts 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells. It is not rated for 3.5-inch magnum loads. Standard target loads, field loads, and buckshot are all compatible, provided they are within the 3-inch chamber length.
• Holsters and Slings: The shotgun is not designed for holster carry. A sling can be attached using the factory-installed sling swivel studs (one on the magazine cap, one on the stock).
• Magazines: The shotgun uses a fixed tubular magazine under the barrel. No aftermarket extended magazines are available for this model due to the youth stock geometry and barrel length.
• Accessories: Benelli Crio choke tubes are specific to this barrel system. Standard Benelli accessory chokes (Crio series) will fit. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts or a Picatinny rail, though the factory sights are adequate for most field use.

FAQ Section

1. Can this shotgun be shipped directly to my home in the U.S.?
No. As a licensed FFL retailer, we are required to ship all firearms to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state. You will need to select a local FFL dealer to receive the transfer. We can help you locate one if needed.

2. How does the FFL transfer process work?
After you place your order, we will contact you to confirm your chosen FFL dealer. We will ship the shotgun to that dealer, and they will conduct the background check and transfer the firearm to you, in accordance with all federal and state laws. You will need to provide a valid government-issued ID and pass the NICS check.

3. What types of ammunition are safe to use in this shotgun?
This shotgun is chambered for 20-gauge shells with a maximum length of 3 inches. Do not use 3.5-inch shells or any ammunition not specifically marked for 20-gauge. Steel shot is acceptable for waterfowl hunting, but always verify that the choke tube you are using is rated for steel shot (the included modified and improved cylinder tubes are generally safe; the full choke is not recommended for steel).

4. What warranty does Benelli provide for this shotgun?
Benelli USA offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty covers the firearm for its serviceable life, excluding normal wear and tear, misuse, or unauthorized modifications. You can register the warranty online through Benelli’s website.

5. What is your return policy for firearms?
All firearm sales are final. Due to the nature of regulated products, we cannot accept returns or exchanges on firearms once they have been shipped. If there is a defect or issue, the warranty provided by Benelli will apply. Please inspect the shotgun at your FFL dealer before accepting the transfer. If you notice damage or a manufacturing defect, refuse the transfer and contact us immediately for assistance.

Closing CTA

This Benelli Nova Pump Youth 20GA is available now for shipping to your local FFL dealer anywhere in the United States. If you have questions about fit, compatibility, or the ordering process, our team is ready to assist. Place your order through Optic Authority today to secure this reliable, compact shotgun for your next hunt or range trip.