OP said he wanted it to be able to shoot 3.5's. Therefore, I agree that the 835 is what he wants.

However, if he does want the ability to shoot slugs, which he asked about later in the thread, then he'd need a dedicated slug barrel for the 835 or a gun that is not overbored. Also, take a look at a 535 which is basically a 500 with a 3.5" chamber.

0 ...

Report Post

Posted by Bigwhite5154

louisiana

Member since Nov 2015

78 posts

Posted on 10/13/17 at 8:28 am to Homey the Clown

have bought two 870s express models that shoot 3.5 have never had an issue all purchased within the last 5 years. i use the heck out of them from deer hunting to shooting clays. Barrels get cleaned once a year. Not one problem.

1 ...

Report Post

Posted by Homey the Clown

Member since Feb 2009

5712 posts

Posted on 10/13/17 at 10:08 am to Bigwhite5154

I've owned two 870s. Both were manufactured over 15 years ago. The older one I had began having trouble ejecting spent shells, so I sold it to a gunshop. The other one I had shot 3.5" shells, and I never had a problem with that one (other than a bruise on my shoulder for a week and a half after my first goose hunt with it

). I sold the second one to buy my semiauto.

The thing is, I've read a lot about the quality going way down in the recent years. I haven't found nearly as much negative stories from Nova owners. As a matter of fact, the only negative reviews I've read about the Nova are mostly about the look, bulkiness, or the forearm rattling. Nothing really about it malfunctioning in the field. I also know two hardcore waterfowl hunters who, for the life of them, will not give up their Nova for any other shotgun. Remington still produces a solid gun in the 870, but it seems like there is a higher chance you get a "lemon" with Remington, rather than Benelli.

Based on that, I decided to go with the Nova. Sure I could have saved $50 and got an 870 and crossed my fingers that I didn't get a lemon, but I didn't.

Also, I'm such a compulsive buyer, I wanted the gun right then and there, and neither Academy in town had anything other than wood stock 870s, but one of the stores had one black synthetic Nova in stock, which is what I wanted, so I pulled the trigger. Pun intended.

Page 1 2 3