Description
The Benelli SuperNova Tactical Pump 12g 18.5 Pistol Grip Rifle Sights is a purpose-built, no-nonsense defensive shotgun. It combines Benelli’s proven inertia-driven action reliability with a compact 18.5-inch barrel, ghost ring rifle sights for fast target acquisition, and a pistol grip stock for superior control in close quarters. I’ve put hundreds of rounds of everything from light target loads to 3-inch magnum slugs through this platform, and it just works. This is a tool, not a toy, and it’s priced right at $421.96.
Key Features
- Benelli’s ComforTech Stock System: The pistol grip is integrated into a stock that uses chevron-shaped recoil pads and flex-tech inserts to soak up punishing 12-gauge recoil, making follow-up shots faster.
- Ghost Ring Rifle Sights: A precise, rugged rear aperture paired with a high-visibility front post. It’s faster than a bead for defensive shooting and holds zero perfectly.
- Rotating Bolt Head & Steel-on-Steel Lockup: This is the heart of Benelli’s reliability. The bolt locks directly into the barrel extension, creating an incredibly strong action that eats any 12-gauge shell from 2 3/4″ to 3 1/2″.
- Dual Action Bars: Eliminates binding for smooth, consistent pumping whether you’re running the gun hard or taking a careful shot. The action is slick out of the box.
- Ambidextrous Controls: The cross-bolt safety is right behind the trigger guard, easy to manipulate with your trigger finger without changing your grip.
Specifications & Details
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (2 3/4″, 3″, 3 1/2″) |
| Barrel Length | 18.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 39.5 inches |
| Weight | 7.8 lbs (unloaded) |
| Capacity | 4+1 rounds (with plug removed) |
| Choke | Cylinder Bore (fixed) |
| Sights | Ghost Ring Rear, High-Visibility Front Post |
Look, the 7.8-pound weight might seem hefty for a pump gun, but that mass is your friend. It tames recoil significantly and gives the gun a solid, balanced feel that swings naturally. The fixed cylinder bore choke is ideal for its role—it patterns defensive buckshot effectively at room-and-hallway distances without constriction. The synthetic stock and finish are tough as nails and resist moisture and wear, which is exactly what you want for a gun that might live in a cruiser or by the bedside.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This SuperNova Tactical is for the shooter who values bombproof reliability over fancy features. It’s for the Missouri homeowner seeking a definitive home defense tool, the hunter who needs a rugged, all-weather slug gun for dense timber (just swap the barrel), or the prepper who demands a firearm that will function with minimal maintenance. It’s also a fantastic entry into the Benelli ecosystem without the semi-auto price tag. If you believe in simple, over-engineered mechanics, this is your shotgun.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The action is famously robust and will cycle any ammunition you feed it. The recoil reduction system is genuinely effective—your shoulder will thank you. The ghost ring sights are a major upgrade for tactical use. The price point is outstanding for a Benelli with these features. It’s drop-in ready for its role, needing no immediate upgrades to be effective.
Cons: It is not a lightweight shotgun. The pistol grip stock is a fixed configuration; you can’t easily swap it for a traditional stock without buying a new receiver extension kit. Aftermarket support, while growing, isn’t as vast as for the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 platforms, though key accessories like magazine tube extensions from brands like Nordic Components are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use this for hunting, or is it only for tactical use?
A: Absolutely. While configured for defense, its ability to fire 3 1/2″ shells and its solid sights make it capable for turkey or deer hunting with slugs, especially in thick cover. Benelli sells longer, choked barrels for the SuperNova separately if you want to convert it for field use.
Q: Does it come with a plug to limit capacity for hunting?
A: Yes, it includes a magazine plug to comply with migratory bird hunting regulations (3-shell max). Removing it for defensive use takes just a minute and requires no special tools.
Q: Is the finish durable?
A: Benelli uses a matte black synthetic coating over steel that is highly corrosion-resistant. I’ve carried one in all sorts of Missouri weather, from humid summers to freezing rain, and it wipes clean with minimal signs of wear. It’s a workhorse finish.
Here’s the thing—in a world of overly complicated firearms, the Benelli SuperNova Tactical Pump 12g 18.5 Pistol Grip Rifle Sights gets back to basics with superior execution. It’s a modern pump-action built to a standard, not to a price. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. If you’re looking for a defensive shotgun that you can trust without a second thought, give this one a hard look.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.