Benelli Supernova Practical

[Tom357]

Here is my latest addition. I bought it to celebrate my first full year after my kidney transplant, back in November, 2008. Benelli was backlogged and it took about 10 weeks to arrive, while I was away on a long contract in California. I didn't actually get to pick it up from the gun shop until four weeks ago.

It's a Benelli Supernova Tactical, Model 20155 (ComforTech stock, 18.5" barrel, ghost ring sights, accepts 2 3/4", 3" and 3 1/2"). I was gifted a Benelli factory +2 magazine extension for the Nova/Supernova, in camo, and had that stripped and new Duracoat in matte black, this week. I added that, today. This gives me a capacity of 7+1. The sling is an Uncle Mike's 1" nylon quick adjust sling - very basic. The swivels are Uncle Mike's QD Super Swivels. The shells in the pic are Winchester XB121 16-pellet unplated #1 buckshot. For those wondering about the Benelli factory ghost ring sights, I've included a view through the sights (I'm no photographer, and I know the zoom isn't quite right, but it was about the best I could do with a point and shoot that had no manual focus).

I'll definitely be adding a Mesa Tactical mag extension clamp with rail for a light. I may also add a Mesa Tactical sidesaddle, but I'm not certain about that. I like to keep it simple, and realistically, it's hard to imagine needing more than 8 rounds, thought I could see maybe wanting to add some provision for having a few slugs available. Anyway, my first new shotgun, and my first attempt at shotgun porn.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[PointnClick]

Nice... the only thing REALLY missing from my stable is a shotgun... I was all lined up on a Mossberg, when GoGators started the Saiga 12 thread... now I don't know what to do... that probably means both...

Nice shotgun, though... I don't think "tactical' when I hear Benelli, but that looks eminently practical around the house... sweet acquisition...!

[SubNine]

That is one good looking shotgun, I almost bought the same one from my gun dealer for 389, but found they had one with the pistol grip stock. I really like the ghost ring sights on the Benelli Super Nova Tactical, it makes shooting slugs easier and more accurate. I can't hit the broad side of a barn using slugs in my 870 which only has the front bead sight.

Here is my new Benelli Super Nova!

[Plop]

Very nice! I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

[Tom357]

Nice... the only thing REALLY missing from my stable is a shotgun... I was all lined up on a Mossberg, when GoGators started the Saiga 12 thread... now I don't know what to do... that probably means both...

Nice shotgun, though... I don't think "tactical' when I hear Benelli, but that looks eminently practical around the house... sweet acquisition...!

Benelli tactical configurations are in use by military and LE, very well made, solid and dependable, but because they are imported and don't have a large aftermarket, they don't get much promotion on forums like this one. They also have a rep for being expensive, but the Benelli Supernova Tactical is competitively priced against the Remington 870 tactical configurations. Benelli offers a whole range of defensive shotguns.

That is one good looking shotgun, I almost bought the same one from my gun dealer for 389, but found they had one with the pistol grip stock. I really like the ghost ring sights on the Benelli Super Nova Tactical, it makes shooting slugs easier and more accurate. I can't hit the broad side of a barn using slugs in my 870 which only has the front bead sight.

Here is my new Benelli Super Nova!

I could say the same of yours! I almost bought your configuration, but opted for the ComforTech stock over the pistol grip. Too bad they don't offer the steadygrip stock in black. I think Benelli offers one of the best factory ghost rings, out there - rugged, with a perfectly designed aperture. My Nova had the GRS, and I loved it, so there was no question its replacement would, too.

[ccman]

Nice one.

[PointnClick]

Thanks for the link, Tom... had no idea the Marines were using Benelli... I thought they were the cream of sporting and bird guns.

[Tom357]

Thanks for the link, Tom... had no idea the Marines were using Benelli... I thought they were the cream of sporting and bird guns.

Yep. The M1014 (aka civilian/LE M4) was selected as the Joint Service Combat Shotgun in 2001, and the Marines have deployed it for 8 years. In fact, they just took delivery of 500 units, last year. The commitment for all service branches for the contract was something like 25,000 I have no idea how it has held up to the superfine desert sand, but a guy I know up at Quantico loves it. The only complaint I have heard about the Benelli semiautos as combat shotguns has been that the gas-operated inertial drive action did not work with low-recoil loads - that has been a common issue with the M1 Super 90. To address that general criticism, the M1014 has a modified two-piston gas system that allows it to work with light tactical loads. This is also true of the civilian/LE M4.

I've heard that a number of LE departments have been giving the Nova and Supernova a chance. I don't find any complaints. LAPD approved the M4 for use, so Benelli USA is beginning to establish itself as a realistic option.

[dlcraig51]

Just got mine yesterday! Did your gun include a tactical rail to go in front of the gr sight? Parts diagram for our gr sight variation shows a pictny rail running in front of the rear sight, screwed in where those plastic plugs are.

[Tom357]

Just got mine yesterday! Did your gun include a tactical rail to go in front of the gr sight? Parts diagram for our gr sight variation shows a pictny rail running in front of the rear sight, screwed in where those plastic plugs are.

I'm not aware of a standard SNT configuration that includes a rail on the receiver, but it is an optional part. Congrats on your new acquisition. Smooth action, easy on the shoulder with slugs and magnum shells, I couldn't be more pleased with it. Enjoy!

[jualdeaux]

Nice shotgun.

I love my Benelli M4. So far, I have not had any problem with low recoil loads in it either. Sure it was kind of expensive but I've never owed a Cadillac before.

[Rock and Glock]

Congrats on the year, too, Tom!