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Nova vs. 870

4K views 25 replies 17 participants last post by  fullpattern 
#1 ·
Hey just looking for opinions on the nova vs the 870. Im looking to purchase a new pump for the up coming season. Also what barrel lengths do yall prefer.
 
#3 ·
I still use my 12 gage 870 Wingmaster occasionally. I bought it in 1970 and have a 26" IC barrel and a 28" Mod barrel. Never had a problem with it. Shot a lot of lead reloads thru it. Used the 26" IC barrel with homemade spreader loads on Iowa Quail. Killed alot of Pheasants and Mallards with it. Ned S
 
#4 ·
Chevy vs. Ford

Chevy = Nova...smooth, dependable, and has some nice features.

Ford = 870...not as smooth at first, will take a beating, and won't let you down.

Seriously they are both really good guns...I prefer the 870 with a 28" barrel. If you go on a hunting trip, and break/loose something off of it you can get parts just about anywhere.
 
#6 ·
:-) said:
Chevy vs. Ford

Chevy = Nova...smooth, dependable, and has some nice features.

Ford = 870...not as smooth at first, will take a beating, and won't let you down.

Seriously they are both really good guns...I prefer the 870 with a 28" barrel. If you go on a hunting trip, and break/loose something off of it you can get parts just about anywhere.
A Wingmaster will be much smoother than a Nova. Express is a different story.
If you get a Nova, take note that the SuperNova has adjustable length of pull, shims (I think) and the original Nova doesn't (stock and receiver are all one piece). I ended up selling my 20ga Nova due to the fact that I would've had to buy a $100 recoil pad to make the length of pull longer to get it to fit properly.
 
#7 ·
shoveler_shooter said:
:-) said:
Chevy vs. Ford

Chevy = Nova...smooth, dependable, and has some nice features.

Ford = 870...not as smooth at first, will take a beating, and won't let you down.

Seriously they are both really good guns...I prefer the 870 with a 28" barrel. If you go on a hunting trip, and break/loose something off of it you can get parts just about anywhere.
A Wingmaster will be much smoother than a Nova. Express is a different story.
If you get a Nova, take note that the SuperNova has adjustable length of pull, shims (I think) and the original Nova doesn't (stock and receiver are all one piece). I ended up selling my 20ga Nova due to the fact that I would've had to buy a $100 recoil pad to make the length of pull longer to get it to fit properly.
I can't argue with that. I was referring to the Express in my post, but if you have the extra $$$ there's no comparison...get the Wingmaster for sure.
 
#8 ·
Woodies,
Here is just a suggestion...
I have owned both the Nova and the 870 Express, good guns but not on par with the fairly new H&R 1871 pump. I recently bought one as I couldnt pass up the kind of deal they have on them being a pump man at heart. Walmart has the black synthetic model for $174. right now.
It is a 870 clone which means it is built on the 870 patient but has improvements made to it over the 870 which I like. After smoothing up its action a mite, it should be on par with a wingmaster. It has a skinnier feel to it as the 870 feels a little fat for my liking. Take a look at one before you decide. I think you will be surprised at the quality of this gun. It may have a discount price but is certainly not a discount quality gun.

Chris
 
#9 ·
Hey thank all of y'all for taking the time to reply and giving great insight. I have used an 1100 since I began hunting on my own, but it is my fathers gun and I am attending college so I have been saving up to buy my first gun so I won't always be borrowing my dads. Thanks again I'm going to look at the guns this weekend and get a feel for em. One last question, 12 or 20g I never have hunted with a 20 so not sure how good one would be for ducks.. Sorry if these questions have been asked a million times I just found this awesome site
 
#10 ·
I have both, but if I was going to only have one I'd go with the 12 gauge.

If you're a really good shot it don't matter. The 12 gauge has more shot per bullet than a 20 gauge...I could be wrong, but I believe that's the only read difference.
 
#12 ·
If you only have one gun get a good used Wingmaster 12 gauge. It will shoot EVERYTHING from light 7/8 ounce 20 gauge level target loads all the way up to 3" steel BB goose loads. You won't need anything else.
 
#13 ·
I grew up shooting a 12GA 28" Wingmaster (80s model) and own a 870 Express Super Magnum and a 28" Nova. For me, the Nova is much better than the Express on all levels. Now comparing between the Nova and the Wingmaster...that's a different ball game. What swayed me is that I prefer the camo finish of the Nova for durability and rust prevention. Whatever coating they put on the Express now a days should be called rust attractant cause I can literally watch is rust in the blind. Immediate wipe own and dry storage mandatory every single time. PITA. I also like that the nova is big and stocky. I'm 6' 6" so I find it suits my body style a little more.
 
#14 ·
The 20ga will feel pretty sweet when you handle both guns as its lighter and more handy than the 12ga. However, for a gerneral purpose duck gun, the 12 is hard to beat for shell avaiability as well as knock down powder with its larger payload. I started my son out at eight years old with a 12ga and he hasnt looked back. He normally hunts with his 10ga due to payload size being bigger than the 12ga. Keep in mind that 99 our of 100 duck guns you will find being used across the country are 12ga. Off hand I think you would be at a disadvantage with the 20.

Chris
 
#15 ·
I have both (WM and Nova). Both are good waterfowl guns.
The Nova fits me better so it goes on duck hunts. Prefer the weather resistance of the Nova too.
The Wingmaster is now set up w/ slug barrel and a scope. It gets to go deer hunting.

Don't bother w/the Express as a fowling piece.

Bottom line: 1 shotgun = Wingmaster
1 Fowling piece = Nova

Can't go too far wrong w/either.

GD

All of the above IMO. Please feel free to have your own.
 
#16 ·
I own both and they're both really good guns, i think you would be happy with either really. Only reason i got my Nova was for the fact that my 870 wasn't camo and rust was an issue if you got it wet. I would for sure go with a 12ga tho, that extra knock down is always nice to have and there is normally a store in the area that will have 12ga shells, i've found that not to be the case with 20's at times..
 
#17 ·
Have not 870 wingmaster and nova I duck hunt with my nova and grouse hunt with my wingmaster both have a 28 inch barrel on them would probably use my wingmaster duck hunting but it is an older model and not sure it could handle steel shot.
Don't think you could go wrong with either buy the one that fits you best and you will be happy.
Good luck
 
#18 ·
I would say 870 with a camo finish or wingmaster. The Nova is too bulky and big for me at 5'10"; swings like a 2x4 and the forend rattles. 12 all the way. 3" is fine, no need for 3.5" unless you like a recoil beatdown in such a light gun. If you shoot an 1100 the 870 will be a lot closer in fit. Just my 2 penneys but you asked.
 
#19 ·
Without question, the 870.

I have a number of them, including a 12 gauge synthetic stock model that I had a custom corossion resistant coating done (inside moving parts and the outside of the gun) by Robar in Phoenix Arizona. They specialize in doing this work for the 870s that the Navy Seals use.

Also have a 20 gauge 870 built on a 12 gauge frame, that I had a similar thing done do.

:hammer: The fact that the Navy Seals use 870s speaks volumes to me.
 
#20 ·
I have 3 870's and a Nova. If I had to choose one I would take the Nova. I think it is just more versatile. It shoots the full range of loads, handles recoil well, breaks down super easy and is just a tank. That is not to put down the 870. I actually like how the 870 feels compared to the Nova. I think it swings better as well, but overall, the Nova gives you more options.
 
#21 ·
I have both. I really liked both as bird guns. I liked the 870 for upland game hunting just because it was a little lighter. The barrel blew up on me so now I have a slug barrel on the 870 and I only use it to deer hunt. The Nova is great all around gun too.
 
#22 ·
Gabagool said:
I have 3 870's and a Nova. If I had to choose one I would take the Nova. I think it is just more versatile. It shoots the full range of loads, handles recoil well, breaks down super easy and is just a tank. That is not to put down the 870. I actually like how the 870 feels compared to the Nova. I think it swings better as well, but overall, the Nova gives you more options.
Not trying to get into a thing with you but what will a NOVA do that a 3.5 supermag 870 won't? Handles the same loads, breaks down just as easy and with a supercell pad...well let's just face it a 3.5 load out of either has quite a bit of recoil. If the 870 feels and handles better why wouldn't you pick that? Now feel and handling is a personal thing so I could see if that was your point but ???

I don't think you could go wrong with either but the one that fits best will bring home more birds.
 
#23 ·
Of the three 870's I own, 2 are wingmasters with 2-3/4" chambers (the third is a marine magnum). So personally I do not own an 870 that can take 3.5" shells. So, in theory, you are correct that there wouldn't be much of a difference between an 870 supermag and a Nova. Both are tried and true. I will say that I am not a big fan of the newer 870's. The look and feel like junk. Also, with respect to shooting 3.5" shells, I think the Nova is a bit heavier and I like how it is weighted. It takes the recoil like a champ. I did add the recoil reducer in the buttstock of my Nova and I have noticed a difference. MY Nova handles 3.5" significantly better than my SuperVinci. The SV bucks like a mule getting raped.

That said, it totally comes down to personal preference and feel. The stock grip of the nova is much slimmer and, I think more comfortable. Under the strain of a 3.5 however I think I would like the bigger grip of the Nova better.

That said, my 1953 wingmaster is one of the coolest guns I own. To me its a cool, old classic. Its a '57 Chevy. The Nova is a modern day Mack Truck.
 
#24 ·
I agree that some of the lowest end 870s aren't what they should be. I have been Eyeing the turkey/waterfowl in MO Bottomland for a turkey and backup / guest duck gun. (My A5s dont need backups :thumbsup: ). It seems to be a little better on the quality than an express.
 
#25 ·
Gabagool said:
Of the three 870's I own, 2 are wingmasters with 2-3/4" chambers (the third is a marine magnum). So personally I do not own an 870 that can take 3.5" shells. So, in theory, you are correct that there wouldn't be much of a difference between an 870 supermag and a Nova. Both are tried and true. I will say that I am not a big fan of the newer 870's. The look and feel like junk. Also, with respect to shooting 3.5" shells, I think the Nova is a bit heavier and I like how it is weighted. It takes the recoil like a champ. I did add the recoil reducer in the buttstock of my Nova and I have noticed a difference. MY Nova handles 3.5" significantly better than my SuperVinci. The SV bucks like a mule getting raped.

That said, it totally comes down to personal preference and feel. The stock grip of the nova is much slimmer and, I think more comfortable. Under the strain of a 3.5 however I think I would like the bigger grip of the Nova better.

That said, my 1953 wingmaster is one of the coolest guns I own. To me its a cool, old classic. Its a '57 Chevy. The Nova is a modern day Mack Truck.
Which one would you say you shoot the best with (best being a very relative term)?
 
#26 ·
I own two 870 expresses that I won at California Waterfowl diners. Both of them were great for waterfowl hunting at first. I later had problems with shells getting stuck in their chambers. I bought a scoop mount barrel, but the groups for saboted slugs were terible. The trigger pull ia long and wandering for the 870 Expresses. I had to buy a chamber hone to polish the chambers for both 870 expresses and now they work great for waterfowl hunting. I also own a original 12 gage Nova. It has a chrome lined barrel and chamber thus no problems with stuck shells in the chamber. The Nova is my gun of choice for cold rainy, or freazing weather. It is reliable and is great for shooting 3.5" shells. The thing I dont like about the Nova is the gun does not have checkering at the hand grip on the stock. When my gun gets mud on it, and when especialy shooting 3.5" magnums causes it to recoil back to my middle finger brusing it. My hand size is medium to large.The grip on the 870 is checkerd and smaller making for a better grip. I would still get the Nova over the 870 express because it is of much higher quality. I have greatly increased the grip of the Nova by sanding the grip with course sand paper. Hope this helps.
 
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