Benelli Super Nova Tactical Pump 12 Ga, 18.5″ Barrel, Black GRS

Description

The Benelli Super Nova Tactical Pump 12 Ga, 18.5″ Barrel, Black GRS is a purpose-built pump-action shotgun designed for American shooters who demand reliable performance in home defense, law enforcement, and tactical applications. Whether you are securing your property, training at a range, or managing a rural property, this model provides the robust cycling and handling characteristics that have made Benelli a trusted name in U.S. firearms. The 18.5-inch barrel and compact overall length make it a practical choice for close-quarters scenarios, while the pump action ensures consistent function with a wide range of 12-gauge ammunition.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Benelli Super Nova Tactical Pump is a 12-gauge shotgun built on Benelli’s proven pump-action platform, featuring an 18.5-inch barrel and a black synthetic stock with the GRS (Grip Reduction System) texture. This firearm is intended for shooters who prioritize straightforward operation and durability—homeowners seeking a primary defensive arm, law enforcement officers requiring a reliable entry tool, and recreational shooters who train with pump-action systems. It also appeals to collectors who value the engineering of Italian-made firearms adapted for the U.S. market. While not designed for long-range waterfowl hunting, its versatility in tactical roles makes it a solid option for property defense and range practice.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: 12 Gauge (3-inch chamber, accepts 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch shells)
• Capacity: 4+1 (4 rounds in the magazine tube, 1 in the chamber)
• Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 39.5 inches
• Weight: Approximately 7.1 pounds (unloaded)
• Finish: Black synthetic stock and forend with GRS texture; matte black metal finish
• Sights: Red bar front sight, adjustable ghost ring rear sight
• Stock: Fixed synthetic stock with GRS grip panels; includes a recoil pad
• Action: Pump-action with dual-action bars and a rotary bolt head
• Safety: Cross-bolt safety located at the rear of the trigger guard

Feature Deep-Dive

The Benelli Super Nova Tactical Pump uses a rotary bolt head design that locks into the barrel extension, a feature more commonly found on semi-automatic shotguns. This system provides a secure lock-up that contributes to consistent chambering and extraction, even when cycling heavy tactical loads or lighter target shells. The dual-action bars ensure smooth forend travel, reducing the risk of binding during rapid cycling—a practical advantage in a defensive situation.

The GRS (Grip Reduction System) texture on the stock and forend is a notable feature for control. This texturing consists of raised, angular ridges that provide a non-slip surface without the aggressive feel of some aftermarket stippling. In wet or gloved conditions, the GRS helps maintain a positive grip, which supports faster follow-up shots. The forend is designed with a slight contour that allows the support hand to index naturally, reducing fatigue during extended training sessions.

The 18.5-inch barrel is paired with a set of ghost ring rear sights and a red bar front sight. This sight system offers a wide sight picture, which is beneficial for quick target acquisition in low-light environments. The rear aperture is adjustable for windage and elevation, allowing the shooter to zero the shotgun with specific ammunition loads. The barrel is also threaded for Benelli’s Crio chokes, though the tactical model typically includes a cylinder bore choke tube for close-range patterns.

The receiver is machined from an aluminum alloy, which keeps the overall weight manageable at 7.1 pounds. This weight distribution, combined with the synthetic stock, reduces felt recoil to a degree that makes the shotgun comfortable for repeated use. The stock includes a soft rubber recoil pad that further absorbs impact, making it a practical choice for shooters who train with slugs or buckshot. The cross-bolt safety is positioned at the rear of the trigger guard, allowing for intuitive engagement without breaking the firing grip.

Field stripping the Super Nova is straightforward, requiring no tools for disassembly. The trigger group can be removed by drifting out a single pin, and the barrel separates from the receiver after removing the forend. This ease of maintenance is a practical benefit for owners who clean their firearms regularly or need to address malfunctions in the field. The magazine tube is made from steel and is designed to handle the cyclic stress of repeated loading and unloading.

The overall build quality reflects Benelli’s manufacturing standards in Italy, with attention to fit and finish. The metal surfaces have a matte black coating that resists corrosion, while the synthetic stock is impact-resistant and does not swell in humid conditions. This combination of materials makes the Super Nova Tactical Pump a low-maintenance firearm suitable for storage in a safe or vehicle, provided standard precautions are taken.

Ideal Use Cases

• Home Defense: The 18.5-inch barrel and compact length allow for maneuverability in hallways and doorways. The pump action provides a manual of arms that many shooters find reassuring for a defensive firearm.
• Law Enforcement / Tactical Use: The ghost ring sights and GRS texture support rapid target engagement. The rotary bolt system handles a variety of 12-gauge ammunition, from reduced-recoil buckshot to slugs.
• Range Training: The adjustable sights and smooth action make this shotgun suitable for practice with target loads. The recoil pad reduces fatigue during extended sessions.
• Property Protection: For rural landowners dealing with pests or predators, this shotgun cycles reliably with heavy loads. The synthetic stock is weather-resistant for outdoor carry.

Compatibility Notes

This shotgun is chambered for 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells. It accepts standard 12-gauge ammunition, including target loads, buckshot, and slugs. The magazine tube holds four rounds of 2 ¾-inch shells; capacity may vary slightly with 3-inch shells. Aftermarket accessories such as extended magazine tubes, side-saddle shell carriers, and sling mounts are available from manufacturers like Nordic Components and Mesa Tactical, but verify compatibility with the Super Nova’s specific receiver dimensions. The stock is fixed and does not accept standard AR-style buffer tubes. The barrel is threaded for Benelli Crio chokes; standard Benelli choke tubes are interchangeable. Holsters are not typically used for shotguns of this type; storage is usually via a case or safe.

FAQ

• Can this shotgun be shipped directly to my home in the U.S.? No. Per federal regulations, this firearm must be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state. We will ship to your chosen FFL dealer, and you must complete a background check at the dealer before taking possession. We ship to all 50 states where Benelli shotguns are legal, including Alaska and Hawaii, provided the receiving FFL is licensed and willing to accept the transfer.
• How does the FFL transfer process work? After placing your order, you will receive an email requesting the contact information for your chosen FFL dealer. Your dealer must send us a copy of their license. Once received, we verify the license and ship the firearm via a common carrier (UPS or FedEx) to the dealer’s physical address. You then visit the dealer, complete the ATF Form 4473, and pass a NICS background check to take the shotgun home. This process typically takes 3-7 business days from order to dealer receipt.
• What types of ammunition are compatible with this shotgun? The Benelli Super Nova Tactical Pump is compatible with 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells. This includes light target loads, standard buckshot, slugs, and high-brass hunting loads. We recommend avoiding steel shot unless you are using a choke tube rated for steel; the included cylinder bore choke is generally safe for steel shot, but confirm with the choke manufacturer. Do not use 3 ½-inch magnum shells, as the chamber is not designed for that length.
• What warranty does Benelli provide for this firearm? Benelli USA offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. It does not cover damage from misuse, improper maintenance, or unauthorized modifications. To file a warranty claim, contact Benelli USA directly with your proof of purchase. We recommend registering your firearm on the Benelli website after purchase to streamline any future service requests.
• What is your return policy for firearms? Due to federal regulations and safety considerations, we cannot accept returns on firearms once they have been shipped from our facility. If there is a defect or issue with the firearm, it must be handled through the manufacturer’s warranty process. If you have not taken possession of the firearm and the shipment has not left our warehouse, please contact us within 24 hours of placing the order to discuss cancellation. We encourage you to inspect the firearm at your FFL dealer before accepting the transfer.

Shipping and Ordering Information

This Benelli Super Nova Tactical Pump ships to all U.S. states where Benelli shotguns are legal. We ship only to licensed FFL dealers; you must select a dealer during the checkout process. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your location and the selected carrier. All orders are processed within 1-2 business days, and we provide tracking information once the shipment is in transit. For questions about FFL requirements or compatibility with your state laws, contact our customer service team before placing an order. We maintain a network of verified FFL dealers and can assist in locating one near you.