Iam buying a new shotgun and I want to know what you think. I have shot a 835 for about 12 yrs I have always liked the gun. It is just worn out. So I visted my local gun shop he tries to sale me a Benelli Nova, I do not know alot about the gun but I know Benelli's or good guns. Both guns feel good, shoulder well the whole 9 yards. I just do not know. Now the biggest thing that I can see is that the MB 835 has a overbore barrel and the standard response from mossberg fans is that it makes for a better pattern and less recoil. Benelli fans say it makes for good Close up patterns but will not shot good past 40 yrds and the recoil claim is bogus. This is where you come in. I know there are people out there that know way more about guns than I ever will, so what are the advantages and disadvantages of the overbore and if both feel good in your little hands what would you buy? Thank you for your help.
chjohnson622
A vote for another 835. You've had one and are obviously familiar with the model. If you were satisfied with your 835, why opt for another manufacturer and take a chance on it?
I shoot alot of slugs and the downside to the 835 is the cost of a slug barrel. Don't own a Nova/SuperNova, but the plastic stock/forearm just doesn't blow my whistle for some reason.
Both are very durable and have a good reputation. Guess its 6 in one hand, half a dozen in the other!
I shoot alot of slugs and the downside to the 835 is the cost of a slug barrel. Don't own a Nova/SuperNova, but the plastic stock/forearm just doesn't blow my whistle for some reason.
Both are very durable and have a good reputation. Guess its 6 in one hand, half a dozen in the other!
If you've been shooting an 835 for 12 years I'd guess you should pretty well know how the gun patterns and how good/bad the recoil is. By now it either suits you or it doesn't, forget what others say about it.
As for the Nova, people seem to love them or hate them, not a lot of middle ground. I'd try to get to a range and see if somebody will let you try their's out for a round or two. That's the only way to know for sure. Both guns seem to have good performance reputations.
As for the Nova, people seem to love them or hate them, not a lot of middle ground. I'd try to get to a range and see if somebody will let you try their's out for a round or two. That's the only way to know for sure. Both guns seem to have good performance reputations.
I have owned both and currently own the Nova.
Mossberg 835
Despite the ported barrel and backboring, it still kicked like my Uncle's 75 pan/shovel lowrider when you tried to start it.
Second, it never did pattern steel worth a hoot no matter what loads/chokes I tried.
Third, the shell stops were poorly stamped, not machined and this led to a peeling of the shotshell with the peelings getting lodged on top of the bolt release mechanism which led to a jam. I lost many second chances on grouse and doves because of this.
On the other hand, the top mounted safety was very intuitive and easy.
Benelli Nova
Shoots steel loads much better than the 835.
Has yet to malfunction with over 5K rounds through it despite what naysayers say.
Kicks like holy hell with 3.5 roman candles however I solved that problem with a Limbsaver recoil pad. Until I got the SBE, it was my exclusive gun for trap shooting.
Forearm on mine rattles. Much has been said about this but I have not been in a hunting situation where it has cost me a chance at game.
Intangibles........the Nova handles better for me than did the 835. The 835 had a shorter barrel and was more handy in thick cover than the Nova but it still was rather a chunky monkey and didn't swing easily for me. I give the nod to the Mossy on the safety design. Gloved or bare hands, it was always easy to operate.
Mossberg 835
Despite the ported barrel and backboring, it still kicked like my Uncle's 75 pan/shovel lowrider when you tried to start it.
Second, it never did pattern steel worth a hoot no matter what loads/chokes I tried.
Third, the shell stops were poorly stamped, not machined and this led to a peeling of the shotshell with the peelings getting lodged on top of the bolt release mechanism which led to a jam. I lost many second chances on grouse and doves because of this.
On the other hand, the top mounted safety was very intuitive and easy.
Benelli Nova
Shoots steel loads much better than the 835.
Has yet to malfunction with over 5K rounds through it despite what naysayers say.
Kicks like holy hell with 3.5 roman candles however I solved that problem with a Limbsaver recoil pad. Until I got the SBE, it was my exclusive gun for trap shooting.
Forearm on mine rattles. Much has been said about this but I have not been in a hunting situation where it has cost me a chance at game.
Intangibles........the Nova handles better for me than did the 835. The 835 had a shorter barrel and was more handy in thick cover than the Nova but it still was rather a chunky monkey and didn't swing easily for me. I give the nod to the Mossy on the safety design. Gloved or bare hands, it was always easy to operate.
I would go 835 all the way. Maybe big shooter had a lemon or something but everyone i know who shoots an 835 for ducks and thats alot of duck and goose hunters love the steel pattern. I will also agree that it doesnt reduce recoil at all. I love the gun and will shoot it on ducks until I die.
Had a 835 couldn't pattern worth Sh** and 3.5in shells would stick in the chamber after shooting it. Called mossberg sent my barrel to them and they sent me a new one. Still couldn't get it to pattern. Needless to say traded it in on a Nova never looked back.
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