I just bought my first 870 express 3.5" and love it ot death. You do not have to shoot it for a long time to see the difference. The 870 has the smoothest action of any shotgun I or my friends have. Beretta,s, Winchester, Benelli and so forth. The nova looks and feels like a poorly built gun. I would compare it with the browning BPS 3.5". The rails for the forearm slide action are so loose there is so much twist you think it is going to fall apart. The hammer dents myprimer dents made by my 870 are nearly perfectly centered and are deep and clean. I have no reservation in recommending the 870 to anyone. Bang for your buck, I believe there is no greater value.
If it is good enough to be the shotgun of choice for most North American police services, then it should be good enough for us.