New Shotgun

[AVPeterson]

I think I convinced my wife to get me a new shotgun for my 30th birthday. I hinted at it, and she's made statements lately like "why does camo cost more than black" and "Whats better a 26 or 28" barrel"

She wouldn't even know these issues if she didn't look into it.

Anyway...I pushing her towards the Benelli SuperNova, an Autoloader is pretty much out of the question b/c of cost.

I'm "newer" to hunting in general and looking for some versatility. I have a Beretta White Onyx I use upland and for clays...but the few times I was out last year waterfowling it bothered me the beating it took. I borrowed a gun to go for turkey, and will likely need a slug soon for deer.

Looking for opinions on the SuperNova and its versatility/durability
primary use will be waterfowl, secondary Turkey/deer (I'm assuming you can buy a slug barrel)
Other suggestions?

[dirtycletus81]

Browning BPS12. Great gun. Shoots 3 1/2, bottom eject. It will do the job.

[AVPeterson]

yeah I guess I should throw in there I shoot lefty, I've always been able to make due with a standard right hand model.

Bottom eject might be nice.

[freefall319]

yeah I guess I should throw in there I shoot lefty, I've always been able to make due with a standard right hand model.

Bottom eject might be nice.


The longer forend on the BPS takes some getting used to though. If you grab it short you can jam it up when you cycle it. I am a lefty and had it happen too many times to keep it. The BPS is a great gun, just not for me.

I think the Nova is a great gun, but, as a lefty have you tried flipping the safety off on it? It's at the front of the trigger guard which makes it tough to get to from the opposite side. The 870's is at the rear and is a lot easier for lefty's to get to. You can get an 870 Super Mag Waterfowl edition for around $500. It comes with the new recoil pad, Duck Blind camo, extended chokes and a fiberoptic site. Not bad IMO.

There's also the Mossberg, but uh, it's a Mossberg. Just sayin'.

[Max4Gooser]

I have had a few Benelli Nova's as well as a Browning BPS (in 10 gauge) and really like both models, with no complaints. Honestly for a lefty the BPS would probably fit you best. I currently shoot a SBE II and love it, but also understand that the price can be an issue. MY best recomendation would be get out there to a good gun shop or Cabela's, Gander, Bass Pro type store and shoulder all the various models, try them on for size see which one fits you best. Consider doing this with similar clothing to what you wear hunting, remember a gun will fit you differently in a T-shirt, then in a sweatshirt and hunting Coat. If possible get out and shoot them. Then after that make an informed decission as to what fits you the best and is in your budget. Good luck.

[corybdesign]

alot have birds have fallen due to my BPS.......................alot have flown away laughing at my shooting skills as well.

i know you can get a slug barrel for a BPS and it comes in a variety of finishes. not every one shoots 3.5 though so be aware. ive shot nova, supernova, and BPS and the BPS is best IMO. I shoot lefty as well. an Benelli M2 is also a nice gun and on occasion you can find one gently used to save a little coin.

[HRK]

I think I convinced my wife to get me a new shotgun for my 30th birthday. I hinted at it, and she's made statements lately like "why does camo cost more than black" and "Whats better a 26 or 28" barrel"

She wouldn't even know these issues if she didn't look into it.

Anyway...I pushing her towards the Benelli SuperNova, an Autoloader is pretty much out of the question b/c of cost.

I'm "newer" to hunting in general and looking for some versatility. I have a Beretta White Onyx I use upland and for clays...but the few times I was out last year waterfowling it bothered me the beating it took. I borrowed a gun to go for turkey, and will likely need a slug soon for deer.

Looking for opinions on the SuperNova and its versatility/durability
primary use will be waterfowl, secondary Turkey/deer (I'm assuming you can buy a slug barrel)
Other suggestions?

The Nova's an awsome gun, I dont know If i'd waste the money on the Super Nova, The comfort tech stock doesnt really help that much on recoil ( Ive owned both) longer barreled guns swing, follow through and stay on target better than a shorter barrel (26 inchers) which require more pushing.

Good luck in your choices.

[BadCaller]

Now since you are on a limited budget and feel the Auto is out I would begin to look at used. Sometimes just putting the word out can yield a P shooter. If I was in the market for a Pump then I would get the best selling pump ever made a Remington 870.

The difference in 26" and 28" is 2 inches that might not seem like much but it can help or hurt a shooter. If your going to just duck hunting and shots are quick and short get a 26" If your going goose hunting , pass shooting get a longer barrel. Now you have the lenght of the action to consider so say if your action is 4" I guess standard for the average pump then a 26" tube will have some what of a sight plane of 30"

If it were me I would forget the rest and get an 870 used sometimes you can get them for a song with 2-3 barrels.

[rob brooks]

i'm a lefty too also shot a 870 for years i used to have to reach around to get to the safety. went to the local gun smith and ordered a left handed saftey. worked fine until i messed up my right shoulder and have a hard time pumping. bought a benelli in right hand and switched the safety around. just a couple of options.

[BrettO]

I started with a BPS 14 years ago i was able to upgrade to a SuperX 3 two years ago and that made my day. I was always having problems with the BPS jamming sometimes to the point of almost throwing it in the water i absolutly hated that gun. I got a super nova as a backup gun last year and could not be more happy with it. It actually took the place of my superx3 as my go to gun!!! But the best advice i can give is to go shoulder a few guns and see what fits you best i think that is why the supernova has taken the place of my superx3 because it fits me better and has greatly improved my accuracy. As for turkey hunting i took the supernova outfitted with a strait heat tube and rolled my first turkey at 65 yards with a winchester supreme 3 1/2 no 5.

[hoyt]

i wouldn't totaly rule out the auto loader.....i have seen some 11-87 and some franchis that you can find used for a pretty good price...also the benelli m2 american new is under 900 in my are and if you can find a used one i bet it would be about 700.....for a pump though is is tough to beat the 870 mine has been to hell and back as well as to the bottom of the marsh and still works great

[Jeff Riverin]

Browning BPS is an awesome shotgun, love mine: 3 1/2 chamber 26'' barrel

[shoreboy06]

I got the mossberg 835 ultimag and i love it....its nothing fancy it just shoots tho. I got a slug barrel for it as well and i think the total price was $350 or so. its 3 1/2 in and have not had any issues at all.....tho its not a benelli or browning its still a great gun. even tho its a right handed gun the top saftey switch is ambidextrious. My brother is a lefty and has switched is up, and man if your not paying attention it could be real dangerous I wouldn't trade it for anything and a pump is much easier to take care of no worring about something locking up on you...i had an ithica well still do but a live load is locked in the chamber, gun smith couldn't even get it apart so now its sitting on the wall.....hope it don't go off

[harrison]

The 835 is a great gun. The 3 1/2 in. chamber is also a plus.

[mlgorecki]

If you're on a limited budget, but already have a gun to hunt with (and get you by), save some more pennies and purchase the "love affair".

[bunkerd69]

If you're on a limited budget, but already have a gun to hunt with (and get you by), save some more pennies and purchase the "love affair".

amen.......

[AVPeterson]

I ended up getting a SuperNova. I was really torn between it and the BPS, but the BPS was $150 more if I wanted the camo and all (plus it wasn't in stock and being the impatient person I am waiting a week would have just been too long)

I shot it and really like it, going to get the safety switched around.

The one regret is now it seems like it is virtually impossible and very expensive to get another barrel for benellis. Oh well, it fits me well, swings nice and I was smashing clays with it like I've shot it for years. Can't wait to whack the fowl with it come fall.

[BrettO]

Glad you like it good luck this season!!!