Description
The Benelli Nova Pump 12g 28″ Barrel MAX-5 Camo is a rugged, reliable pump-action shotgun built for serious waterfowl and turkey hunters. It offers Benelli’s proven performance at a price point that makes it a standout value, featuring a durable synthetic camo stock and a long, vent-rib barrel ideal for swinging on birds. This is a workhorse shotgun designed to handle harsh conditions and deliver consistent results season after season.
Key Features
- MAX-5 Camo Finish: Full coverage in a proven, effective camouflage pattern for waterfowl and turkey hunting.
- Benelli Reliability: Built with a rugged steel receiver and a simple, robust pump-action mechanism known for dependable cycling.
- 28″ Vent Rib Barrel: Provides a long sight plane for improved accuracy on moving targets and better swing dynamics.
- Value-Priced Performance: Delivers core Benelli engineering and durability without the premium price tag of their semi-automatic lines.
- Weather-Resistant Build: Synthetic stock and corrosion-resistant finishes stand up to mud, moisture, and field abuse.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Action | Pump Action |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Chamber | 3.5″ |
| Overall Length | 48.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 8 lbs |
| Finish | MAX-5 Camo |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
Weighing in at about eight pounds, the Nova has a solid heft that helps manage recoil, especially with heavy 3.5-inch magnum waterfowl loads. That 28-inch barrel isn’t just for show—it gives you a smoother swing for pass shooting and a longer sight radius, which is a real benefit for a bead sight. The price of $488.70 puts it in direct competition with other budget-minded pump guns, but here you’re getting the Benelli name and their unique one-piece stock/receiver design for added strength. It’s a simple trade-off: you give up the faster follow-up shots of a semi-auto, but you gain absolute reliability in all conditions and a much lighter hit to your wallet. Look, a pump-action is never going to be the fanciest gun in the blind, but it will always be the one that goes bang when you pull the trigger.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This shotgun is built for the budget-conscious hunter who refuses to compromise on durability. It’s the ideal first serious waterfowl gun for a new hunter, or a dependable backup/beater gun for a seasoned veteran. If you hunt in marshes, timber, or fields where your gear takes a beating, the Nova’s synthetic and steel construction can handle it. It’s also a solid choice for turkey hunters who appreciate the full camo coverage and the ability to chamber the heaviest 3.5-inch turkey loads. For the price, you’re getting a tool that performs its specific job exceptionally well without any unnecessary frills.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Exceptional durability and weather resistance. Benelli’s reputation for reliability is baked into this design. The 3.5-inch chamber offers maximum shell versatility. The MAX-5 camo is effective and comes from the factory—no gunsmithing required to get a fully camouflaged gun. It represents a significant cost savings over Benelli’s semi-automatic models while sharing core toughness.
Cons: Pump action requires manual cycling, which is slower than a semi-auto. The stock ergonomics are somewhat basic and may not fit every shooter perfectly without adjustment. At eight pounds, it’s not the lightest pump gun available, which could be a factor on long walks. The value is clear, but you are making a practical tradeoff in action speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Benelli Nova come with choke tubes?
A: Yes, the Benelli Nova typically comes from the factory with a set of Benelli Crio choke tubes (often Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full), allowing you to tailor your pattern for different game and distances. Always check the specific contents of the box at purchase.
Q: Can this shotgun handle steel shot for waterfowl hunting?
A: Absolutely. The Benelli Nova is designed for modern ammunition and its barrel is perfectly safe for use with steel shot, as well as other non-toxic loads like bismuth and tungsten-based shells. Its 3.5-inch chamber lets you use the full range of waterfowl loads available.
Q: Is the stock length adjustable?
A: The stock on the standard Nova is not adjustable. It features a fixed length of pull. However, the design is straightforward and for many shooters, it fits out of the box. If you need significant adjustment, aftermarket spacers or pads are available to fine-tune the fit.
When you stack up the features against the cost, the Benelli Nova Pump 12g in MAX-5 Camo makes a compelling argument for itself. It’s a simple, tough, and effective hunting tool that prioritizes function over flash. For Missouri hunters navigating public land marshes or private field spreads, this shotgun offers proven performance without stretching the budget. It is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. If you need a dependable, camo-clad shotgun that won’t let you down when the ducks are working, this Benelli deserves a close look.
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