Description
The Benelli Super Nova Pump 12g 26″ Barrel Black is a rugged, no-frills pump-action shotgun built on Benelli’s unique one-piece steel-reinforced receiver. It’s designed for harsh conditions and high-volume shooting, offering reliable performance for hunters and shooters who need a durable tool that just works, season after season. I’ve put hundreds of rounds of everything from light target loads to 3.5″ magnums through one, and it never missed a beat.
Key Features
- One-Piece Steel-Reinforced Receiver: This isn’t your typical aluminum tube. The receiver is a single, incredibly strong polymer shell with a full steel insert. It shrugs off moisture and flex, providing a rock-solid foundation.
- Comfortech Stock System: Benelli’s gel-filled cheek pad and flexible butt pad actually work. They soak up a significant amount of recoil, which you’ll appreciate with those 3.5″ shells. It’s a game-saver on long days at the range or in the blind.
- Rotary Bolt Head & Dual Action Bars: The rotary locking system is super secure, and twin steel action bars ensure the pump stroke is smooth and binds up less under stress or debris than single-bar designs.
- Shims for Custom Fit: The stock comes with shims to adjust drop and cast. You can get a better fit for your face and shoulder right out of the box—no gunsmithing required.
- Versatile 3.5″ Chamber: This is the big one. It handles 2.75″, 3″, and 3.5″ 12-gauge shells interchangeably. That means you can run light target loads for clays and switch to heavy turkey or goose loads without a second thought.
Specs & Details
| Gauge: | 12 Gauge (3.5″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length: | 26 Inches |
| Overall Length: | 47.5 Inches |
| Weight: | 7.8 lbs |
| Capacity: | 4+1 Rounds (with plug) |
| Choke: | Benelli Crio System (Mobilchoke Tubes) |
Look, the specs tell part of the story, but the feel is what sells it. That 7.8-pound weight gives it a steady swing, and the 47.5-inch overall length with the 26-inch barrel strikes a great balance for maneuverability in a blind or brush without being too short for a clean swing on birds. The price point of $469.06 is where this gun really makes its case, offering Benelli’s engineering and durability at a level that’s accessible.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is the workhorse shotgun. It’s for the Missouri waterfowler who doesn’t mind a little mud and freezing rain. It’s for the turkey hunter who needs one reliable shot from a jake to a longbeard. It’s for the landowner who wants a dependable security tool. It’s also a fantastic first pump-action for a new shooter who wants to buy once and be done—this thing will outlast most of us. If you need a single shotgun to do a bit of everything and do it under tough conditions, this is a top contender.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The durability is legendary—that receiver is nearly indestructible. The recoil reduction from the Comfortech system is tangible and effective. The 3.5″ chamber offers maximum shell versatility. The shim kit for stock adjustment is a thoughtful inclusion you don’t always see at this price. Maintenance is straightforward, with simple disassembly.
Cons: It’s not a lightweight. At 7.8 lbs, it’s a bit heftier than some synthetic pump guns, which can be a factor on long carries. The safety is a cross-bolt design at the rear of the trigger guard, which some shooters prefer to be tang-mounted. The polymer trigger guard, while tough, doesn’t have the same aesthetic feel as metal to some.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What chokes does it use, and are they included?
A: It uses the Benelli Crio system, specifically Mobilchoke tubes. The gun typically comes with a set of three: Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full. These are the same tubes used in many older Benelli and Beretta shotguns, so if you have a collection, there’s good compatibility.
Q: Is the barrel threaded for chokes?
A: Yes, the 26-inch barrel is fully threaded for the Mobilchoke system. The Crio treatment involves freezing and machining the barrel for consistent patterning, which is a nice step up from basic threading. You can use any aftermarket choke marked for Benelli Mobilchokes.
Q: Can it be used for home defense?
A: Absolutely. While long for tight quarters, its reliability is paramount. With a shorter 18.5-inch barrel (sold separately), it becomes a dedicated defense tool. In its stock 26-inch configuration with the right ammunition, it’s a formidable option, and the pump action provides a clear auditory deterrent. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for all firearm purchases.
Here’s the thing—the Benelli Super Nova Pump 12g 26″ Barrel Black isn’t trying to win a beauty contest. It’s built to be your most dependable tool in the field, season after season. It’s the shotgun you grab when conditions are bad and you absolutely cannot have a failure. That kind of confidence is worth every penny. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide to compliant states. If a proven, versatile pump-action that handles everything is what you’re after, this Benelli deserves a close look.
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