Benelli has updated its well-known Nova pump shotgun, bringing a lighter, slightly refined version to SHOT Show 2025.
The Nova 3 keeps much of what shooters liked about the original while making a few changes, some of which may be welcome—others might leave some questioning whether the updates were necessary.
What’s New?
1. Lighter Build, Polymer Receiver
Benelli managed to shave off over a pound from the previous Nova, mainly by integrating the stock and receiver into one polymer piece.
It’s not just for weight savings—the new design is stronger than ever, making it more durable while keeping it ultra-light for all-day carry.
2. Shorter Stroke, But No 3.5-inch Chamber
Benelli shortened the pump stroke by eliminating the 3.5-inch chamber, opting to chamber the Nova 3 in 3-inch shells only.
They claim most shooters don’t use 3.5-inch loads in a pump shotgun, but this could be a drawback for those who prefer the extra capability, especially for waterfowl hunting.
3. Optics-Ready Design
One of the more useful upgrades is the molded-in, drilled, and tapped optics plate, allowing for direct mounting of red dots or scopes.
This brings the Nova 3 in line with modern shotgun trends, though it remains to be seen how many users will take advantage of it.
4. M4 Bolt Face Upgrade
The Nova 3 now uses the legendary Benelli M4 bolt face, a battle-proven design known for durability and reliability.
While the original Nova’s bolt was solid, this upgrade brings even more toughness to the table.
5. Retaining the Magazine Cutoff
The Nova 3 keeps the magazine cutoff feature, allowing shooters to remove a chambered round without cycling a new one.
This is useful for swapping loads on the fly, especially for law enforcement or slug/buckshot transitions.
Different Models for Different Uses
Benelli is offering the Nova 3 in various versions, including:
- Camo options for hunting
- Tactical versions with iron sights for slug use
Final Thoughts
The Nova 3 is a refined version of a shotgun that already had a strong following. The weight reduction and optics-ready design are solid changes, but dropping the 3.5-inch chamber might turn some users away.
Whether these updates make it a must-have or just another iteration will depend on personal preference.
What do you think? Are the changes enough to justify an upgrade, or would you stick with an older Nova?
Let us know in the comments. And stay tuned for more SHOT Show 2025 coverage!
Learn more HERE.
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