Tailfeathers

I've owned both and sold many of both over the counter too. I sold my 870 express after using it a few times. I thought it was cheaply made. I needed at the time, a "boat paddle" shotgun for nasty, muddy salt water waterfowling. I then bought a NOVA and never looked back. I think the Wingmaster is an excellent shotgun, but today's 870 express is made for the Walmart price competition crowd and is an inferior shotgun in my opinion. Here's the differences between the 870 super mag and the NOVA. NOVA chrome lined barrell, 870 NOT NOVA has a last round cut off that lets you eject the chambered round without allowing the next round up. 870 NOT NOVA has a simple two pin trigger mechinism removal arrangement for easy cleaning, 870 is a lot more complicated NOVA's barrel end cap doubles as a tool to knock out trigger assembly pins,870 needs more tools NOVA has built into the stock, the ability to add a mercury filled recoil reducer cylinder. Easy install, $45. 870 NOT NOVA's stock is moulded into the receiver for extra strength,870 is screwed on like guns since the 1400's. NOVA has built in sling attachment points, I'm not sure about the 870 super mag. NOVA was designed from the ground up to equip the European Police in the 21st century. The 870 was designed when your Grandfather had pimples and had ideas for your Grandmother. Both gun's barrels (black models) rust easy within 100 miles of salt water. Good rust preventative oil or 2 coats automotive primer paint and 2 coats black BBQ paint fixed that on the NOVA for me. What can I say, I have no stock in Benelli other than I have a NOVA that looks like ****, gets "cleaned" in the shower after a day on the boat, turned upside in a pail to drain as I sleep,dreaming of ducks and women, and gets a spray of oil sometime the next day, if I remember and if can find the spray can. It has never failed me and even ejected some rusty shells when I had to bang the stock down on the boat's seat while gripping the forearm. Those ejectors are like bull dog jaws. Not many guns would eject shells in that lousy condition. I shoot 3 inch and 3.5 inch shells and with the recoil reducer, she's sweet. I also have a Browning BPS thats a great shotgun too. That would be my second choice under the NOVA. One downside, the NOVA has a modern, futuristic look that some guys won't be seen with, like its a bad fashion statement or something. The deep grooves in the forearm and stock really add to a good grip. I once saw one painted white for Snowgoose shooting. Looked like a Star Wars weapon! Cool! Well, I calls it as I sees it. TF