Description
The Benelli Nova Pump Waterfowl Edition in 12 gauge with a 28-inch barrel and Max-5 camouflage finish is a dedicated field gun built for the American waterfowler who demands reliability in marsh, blind, and flooded timber. Whether you are working a spread of decoys on a cold morning in the Chesapeake Bay or chasing honkers across a Kansas wheat field, this pump-action shotgun is engineered to function under the harshest conditions you will encounter. It is a tool for the hunter who values a smooth, consistent action and a finish that resists corrosion and glare when the sun breaks through the clouds.
What This Product Is and Who It Is For
The Benelli Nova Pump Waterfowl Edition is a synthetic-stocked, pump-action shotgun chambered in 12 gauge, featuring a 28-inch barrel and a factory-applied Max-5 camouflage pattern. This model is specifically designed for waterfowl and upland bird hunters who spend long hours in wet, muddy, or saltwater environments. It is also a practical choice for the shooter who wants a reliable, easy-to-maintain firearm for clay targets or general outdoor use. While not intended for home defense or concealed carry due to its barrel length and overall dimensions, it serves the dedicated hunter and recreational shooter who prioritizes rugged durability over weight savings.
Key Specification Breakdown
- Caliber: 12 Gauge (chambered for 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells; compatible with 3.5-inch Magnum loads)
- Capacity: 4+1 (4 rounds in the magazine tube, 1 in the chamber)
- Barrel Length: 28 inches
- Overall Length: Approximately 47.5 inches
- Finish: Max-5 camouflage pattern over a synthetic receiver and stock; Crio-treated, ventilated-rib barrel
- Weight: Approximately 7.2 pounds (unloaded)
- Sights: Red bar front sight, metal bead mid-sight
- Stock: Synthetic, with textured grip panels and a rubber recoil pad
- Choke System: Crio choke tubes (includes Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder)
- Action: Pump-action with a rotating bolt
- Safety: Cross-bolt safety located at the rear of the trigger guard
- Receiver: Anodized aluminum alloy with synthetic overlay
Feature Deep-Dive
The Benelli Nova Pump Waterfowl Edition is built around a one-piece receiver and stock assembly, a design that eliminates the traditional stock-to-receiver joint. This monocoque construction reduces the number of stress points and potential failure areas, giving the shotgun a rigid, sealed action that resists the ingress of mud, sand, and water. The synthetic shell is molded directly over the steel and aluminum components, creating a waterproof barrier that protects the internal mechanism even after a full submersion. For a waterfowler who may wade through cattails or set decoys in a flooded field, this level of sealing is a practical advantage over traditional wood-and-metal pump guns that can trap moisture in the stock inlet.
The barrel features Benelli’s Crio treatment, a deep-cryogenic process that relieves internal stresses in the steel. This treatment is applied to the barrel and the choke tubes, resulting in a smoother bore surface that patterns more consistently and reduces fouling buildup. The 28-inch barrel is paired with a ventilated rib that provides a clear sight plane and helps dissipate heat during rapid strings of fire. The red bar front sight and metal bead mid-sight offer a simple, fast sight picture that works well in low-light conditions at dawn or dusk. The Crio choke tube system allows you to switch between Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder constrictions to match your hunting scenario, from close-flushing ducks to longer-range geese.
The pump action itself is smooth and positive, with a short, crisp stroke that allows for fast follow-up shots without the sloppiness found on some budget pumps. The rotating bolt locks into the barrel extension, providing a solid lockup that handles 3.5-inch magnum loads without excessive vibration. The magazine tube holds four rounds, and the gun ships with a plug that limits capacity to two rounds in the magazine for migratory bird hunting compliance. The synthetic stock is fitted with a soft rubber recoil pad that reduces felt recoil, even with heavy waterfowl loads, and the textured grip panels on the forend and pistol grip provide a secure hold when your hands are wet or gloved.
The Max-5 camouflage finish is applied using a process that bonds the pattern to the synthetic material, making it resistant to scratching, fading, and chemical exposure from solvents or bug spray. This is not a simple dip or paint layer; it is a durable coating that maintains its appearance through seasons of hard use. The finish also reduces glare, which is a practical benefit when hunting open water or snow-covered fields where a reflective surface could alert wary birds. Combined with the non-reflective anodized barrel and receiver, the Nova Waterfowl Edition is built to stay hidden in the blind.
Maintenance is straightforward due to the gun’s design. The trigger group can be removed as a single unit for cleaning without tools, and the barrel can be quickly detached from the receiver by turning a single nut. The synthetic stock does not require oiling or refinishing, and the internal components are protected by the sealed receiver. For the hunter who may not have time for a full strip-down after every outing, the Nova’s corrosion-resistant materials and simple disassembly make it a low-hassle choice. The cross-bolt safety is located at the rear of the trigger guard and is accessible with either hand, providing a positive click when engaged or disengaged.
Ideal Use Cases
This shotgun is best suited for waterfowl hunting, including ducks, geese, and other migratory birds, where the 28-inch barrel and 3.5-inch chamber give you the reach and power needed for ethical shots. It is also a capable choice for upland bird hunting, such as pheasant or grouse, particularly in wet or brushy cover where the synthetic stock and sealed action resist damage. The Nova Pump Waterfowl Edition can be used for clay target sports like trap or skeet, though its weight and length are more oriented toward field use than dedicated competition. It is not designed for home defense or concealed carry due to its size and magazine capacity, and it is not a collector’s item or safe queen—it is a working gun for the field.
Compatibility Notes
- Ammunition: This shotgun cycles 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch 12-gauge shells. It functions reliably with standard lead, steel, bismuth, and tungsten-based non-toxic shot. For best performance with light target loads, a break-in period of 100-200 rounds is recommended.
- Choke Tubes: Uses Benelli Crio choke tubes. Standard Benelli Mobil choke tubes are not compatible. The included tubes are Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder.
- Magazine Extension: Aftermarket magazine extensions are available from brands like Nordic Components and Taran Tactical, but they may require modification to the magazine tube spring and follower.
- Holsters/Slings: Not applicable for concealed carry. A standard shotgun sling with swivels can be attached using the included sling studs on the forend and stock.
- Accessories: The receiver is drilled and tapped for mounting a Picatinny rail or ghost ring sight system. Aftermarket recoil pads and stock spacers are available to adjust length of pull.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this shotgun be shipped to my address in the United States?
A: Yes. As a licensed FFL dealer, we can ship this firearm to your chosen FFL holder for transfer. We ship to all 50 states where the firearm is legal for ownership. You will need to provide the contact information of a licensed FFL dealer who is willing to process the transfer. We do not ship directly to residential addresses.
Q: How does the FFL transfer process work?
A: After you place your order, we will ask you to provide the name and address of a licensed FFL dealer in your area. We will ship the firearm to that dealer. You will then visit the dealer to complete a federal background check (Form 4473) and pay any applicable transfer fee. Once cleared, you can take possession of the shotgun. We recommend contacting your chosen FFL dealer before ordering to confirm they are accepting transfers and to ask about their fees.
Q: What ammunition is compatible with this shotgun?
A: The Benelli Nova Pump Waterfowl Edition is chambered for 12-gauge shells up to 3.5 inches. It will fire 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch loads. It is compatible with lead shot, steel shot, bismuth, tungsten, and other non-toxic shot types. For target shooting, standard 2.75-inch target loads work well after a break-in period. For waterfowl hunting, 3-inch or 3.5-inch steel or bismuth loads are recommended.
Q: What warranty does Benelli provide for this shotgun?
A: Benelli USA offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials or workmanship. The warranty covers repair or replacement of defective parts. It does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications. To file a warranty claim, you will need to contact Benelli USA directly with proof of purchase. We recommend keeping your sales receipt for this purpose.
Q: What is your return policy for firearms?
A: Due to federal regulations, we cannot accept returns on firearms once they have been shipped from our facility. If a firearm arrives with a defect or damage, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with you and the manufacturer to resolve the issue, which may include a replacement or repair under warranty. We inspect all firearms before shipping to ensure they are in new condition.
This Benelli Nova Pump Waterfowl Edition is available now for shipment to your local FFL dealer. We stock this model in our U.S. warehouse and offer fast shipping on all in-stock firearms. If you have questions about the transfer process or compatibility with your state’s regulations, our team is available to assist. Place your order today and prepare for the next season in the field.
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