By R.K. Campbell | Contributing Editor
Benelli’s Nova Tactical Pump is a reliable and effective shotgun, featuring protected sights and a rotating bolt.
When it comes to pump action shotguns there are proven and reliable examples, but when it comes to self-loading shotguns there are a smaller number upon which I am willing to bet my life.
Two of my favorite shotguns are separate branches of the Beretta/Benelli umbrella and each is a great choice for personal defense.
The first is the Benelli Super Nova Tactical pump action shotgun. Among the first features you notice is the ghost ring (aperture) rear sight, which helps naturally center the front post in the rear aperture for accurate payload delivery. This system is superior to the simple bead front sight, particularly if slugs are part of the payload. The Super Nova is accurate enough with solid shot to engage man sized targets to 100 yards. (For those that practice and train.)
The ergonomics of the stock and forend are excellent. The forend gets especially high marks for adhesion and abrasion, offering excellent handling. It comes to the shoulder quickly. The forend is equipped with a magazine cutoff. Hit this button and you will cut off the feed. Rack the bolt to the rear and the chamber is open, and the magazine is stopped off. You may drop a slug or other special munitions into the chamber while retaining a magazine load of buckshot for close range use. It is a very practical option.
A praiseworthy aspect of the design for hard use is a polymer covering that completely encloses the shotgun’s stainless steel receiver. This is an advantage of the Super Nova design separating it from other smoothbores. While the majority of law enforcement and home defense buckshot shells are 2 ¾ inch types, most LEO shotguns also accept 3-inch shells. The Super Nova accepts the powerhouse 3 ½-inch shotgun shells.
While there may be few applications for such a heavy load the choice is there. The barrel is chrome lined, while the bolt features a rotating two lug system. This provides a very rigid lock up. The bolt release and safety are located in the trigger guard area. The safety is positive in operation, easy to use, and locks up tight when in the safe position.
Pump action shotguns are famously reliable. Benelli cannot improve on that but just the same the Super Nova enjoys an excellent reputation. The advantage over other shotguns would be corrosion resistance due to the polymer coating and stainless under carriage. The action is smooth and positive in operation. It isn’t difficult to keep the shotgun in action. Fire, allow recoil to push the muzzle up as you fire and use recoil to help pump the forend to the rear, then use the forward action of controlling recoil help bring the action forward to get back on target. The law enforcement version illustrated features a seven shell magazine capacity with 2 ¾ inch shells, others use a four-shell capacity. The longer magazine makes for excellent balance.
The Benelli shotgun was tested primarily with reliable Hornady Black 00 buckshot. This load has been developed to give every advantage in a critical incident. Combining low recoil and a dense pattern the Benelli performed well with these loads.
I have also fired a limited quantity of the Hornady American Gunner slugs. This is an accurate load that uses a 500 grain slug. For my money the slug is a better stopper, although buckshot certainly has its points. These slugs offer good penetration and a solid projectile for use at long range.
The Benelli will perform well with any quality loading, and after using the Benelli for years as a front line shotgun I find it a superior choice to most. The advantages of modern technology and excellent sights make this shotgun a good choice for 21st Century use.
Beretta 1201
Meanwhile, the Beretta 1201 is often available as a police trade-in at very attractive prices.
The 1201FP illustrated is light at six pounds, one once. The extended magazine holds six shells.
Hornady Critical Defense is a first class service and defense load.
Beretta uses the same inertia recoil system as the Benelli Super 90.
The 1201 was designed as an affordable alternative to the Super 90 for law enforcement use. The sights are more than a simple bead but are not aperture sights, they are rifle-type sights. They are about as fast as a bead to use but more accurate when using slugs. The bottom line on this system it that it is a fast shotgun in action and very reliable.
The problem with this shotgun is that it demonstrates harsher recoil than most. Balanced against its light weight, the ability to fire the Beretta with one hand, plus reliability and very fast handling, the recoil is acceptable. When I am using low powered ammunition, I choose the Benelli. If the worst case scenario is the order of the day, the Beretta is a pure bred fighting shotgun with few peers. There is nothing quite like it for rapidly engaging multiple targets.
Each is a good example of the maker’s art and each offers first class quality and reliability. For the occasional shooter the pump action shotgun gets the nod. For those willing to practice with the automatic shotgun and match the load to the mission the Beretta is an outstanding choice.
Load choices
I have tested the Beretta with a wide range of 00 buckshot, #4 buckshot and also slugs. The Beretta has been reliable with a wide range of loads. While I usually favor buckshot I have tested the #4 loading as well. The Hornady #4 Varmint Express offers a dense pattern and would be ideal for running coyote at close range.
The Hornady RapidSafe is a good option for those wishing to keep a shotgun at home ready.
Recoil is lighter than 00 buck. In the light Beretta I am pretty certain that the #4 buckshot load is an effective combination for home defense. If delivered in pairs it would be an even more formidable combination. These shotguns are reliable, effective, and offer an edge to the shooter that manages them well.
One more thing. A credible option for safe storage is the Hornady RapidSafe lock. Available in several configurations this locking device offers real security but rapid access.
