Benelli Nova vs Supernova: Which Pump Shotgun Wins in 2024?
Benelli Nova is a lightweight, one-piece polymer receiver 12-gauge pump shotgun; Supernova is its larger, modular cousin with a steel-reinforced receiver, interchangeable stock, and oversized trigger guard.
Walk into any gun counter and the matte-black twins sit side-by-side. New shooters see the same logo, slide, and price tags, then panic-pick the one the clerk last handed them—never noticing the subtle size, weight, and recoil-reduction upgrades that separate the two.
Key Differences
Nova weighs 7.8 lb, uses a fixed comfort-tec stock, and holds 4+1 shells. Supernova adds 0.6 lb, a three-piece recoil-reducing stock system, and a 5+1 magazine. The Supernova also boasts a larger loading port and a shim-kit for drop and cast adjustment—Nova has none.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Nova for tight budgets, home defense, or turkey hunts where ounces matter. Choose Supernova for 3-gun, waterfowl, or anyone who wants to tune fit and soften 3.5-inch magnums. If you’ll never swap stocks or shoot heavy loads, Nova wins on simplicity and price.
Examples and Daily Life
In a duck blind, a Nova slung over your shoulder keeps you light on the long walk in. Swap to a Supernova when icy hands in December demand the oversized trigger guard and interchangeable pistol-grip stock for heavy goose loads.
Can I swap Nova barrels onto a Supernova?
No; receivers and magazine tubes are different lengths, so barrels are not interchangeable between the two.
Does the Supernova justify the extra cost?
If you need recoil reduction, stock customization, or 3.5-inch chambering, the price jump is worth it; otherwise, the Nova delivers 90% of the performance for less.