Description
The morning marsh is quiet, the kind of quiet that makes every rustle in the cattails sound like a freight train. You’ve been in the blind since before first light, your gear settled, your mind focused. When that flock of mallards finally commits and swings into range, you need a tool that’s an extension of your intent—reliable, simple, and utterly unfazed by mud, water, or cold. That’s the moment you understand the purpose of a pump-action shotgun built without compromise. This is where the Benelli SuperNova Field 12g 28″ MAX-5 Camo earns its keep.
The Benelli SuperNova Field is a purpose-built, pump-action 12-gauge shotgun designed for harsh environments. It features a 28-inch barrel, a rugged synthetic stock and forend in MAX-5 camouflage, and Benelli’s proprietary ComforTech recoil reduction system. It’s a no-frills, high-reliability workhorse for waterfowlers and upland hunters who demand a shotgun that performs in adverse conditions. With a price point of $563.06, it delivers proven Benelli engineering at an accessible level.
Let’s talk about what makes it stand up to a Missouri winter. The heart of the SuperNova is its steel-reinforced receiver and rotary bolt head—this isn’t a delicate mechanism. It’s built to cycle everything from light 2¾-inch target loads to punishing 3½-inch magnum shells without a hiccup. That versatility is key. The ComforTech stock isn’t just a marketing gimmick; it uses chevron-shaped gel inserts and an ergonomic design to redirect recoil energy, making a full day of shooting heavy waterfowl loads a more manageable proposition. Your shoulder will thank you by the end of the season.
The 28-inch barrel provides a smooth, consistent swing for pass shooting over decoys, and the MAX-5 camouflage pattern is more than just paint—it’s a molded-in finish on the entire synthetic stock and forend that won’t peel or scratch off. The gun comes with a set of Benelli’s Crio chokes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), giving you the flexibility to pattern effectively at various ranges. Here’s the thing—with a total length of 49 inches and a weight of just under 8 pounds, it balances well in the hands and won’t feel like a burden on a long hike to a timber hole.
Practicality extends to the details. The oversized safety and trigger guard are easy to manipulate with gloved hands. The loading port is beveled for fast, fumble-free reloads when the action is hot. The stock is even shim-adjustable for cast and drop, allowing you to get a custom fit without a trip to a gunsmith. This is a platform that’s drop-in ready for serious use, compatible with a wide array of aftermarket components from brands like Carlson’s for chokes and Mesa Tactical for stock adapters, should you ever want to modify it.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3.5″ Chamber) |
| Action | Pump Action |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Overall Length | 49 Inches |
| Weight | 7.8 lbs |
| Stock/Forend | Synthetic, MAX-5 Camo |
| Chokes | Includes Crio Chokes (IC, M, F) |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
Pros: Legendary Benelli durability and weather resistance. Excellent recoil management via ComforTech system. Handles all 12-gauge shell lengths from 2¾” to 3½”. Low-maintenance, corrosion-resistant finish. Adjustable stock for improved fit.
Cons: Pump action requires manual cycling versus semi-automatics. Synthetic stock may feel less traditional than wood. The 28-inch barrel can be less maneuverable in extremely tight cover.
This shotgun is for the hunter who prioritizes absolute reliability over everything else. It’s for the waterfowler who doesn’t mind a little manual labor for a gun that won’t choke on mud or freezing rain. It’s for the budget-conscious shooter who wants Benelli’s rugged engineering without the premium price of their semi-auto lineup. It’s also a solid choice for a homeowner seeking a dependable, simple-to-operate defensive tool, though its length is better suited to open areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the SuperNova have any issues cycling lighter target loads?
A: No. The Benelli SuperNova’s action is designed to reliably cycle the full spectrum of 12-gauge ammunition, from light 1-ounce target loads up to heavy 3.5-inch magnums. Its robust pump mechanism isn’t dependent on gas pressure like a semi-auto, so it feeds everything consistently.
Q: Can I use steel shot with the included chokes?
A: Yes. The included Benelli Crio chokes are specifically designed and rated for use with modern steel shot ammunition, making them perfectly safe and effective for waterfowl hunting where non-toxic shot is required.
Q: Is the camo pattern durable?
A: Absolutely. The MAX-5 pattern isn’t a dip or a wrap; it’s molded directly into the high-strength polymer of the stock and forend. It’s highly resistant to scratches, solvents, and UV fading, ensuring it stays effective and looks good season after season.
If you need a shotgun that you can trust to go from the duck blind to the turkey woods without a second thought, the Benelli SuperNova Field is a definitive answer. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for all firearm purchases.
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