A Legacy in Steel and Polymer: Background of Each Firearm
Pump-action shotguns hold a special place in the hearts of shooters, hunters, and home defenders alike. Known for their reliability, versatility, and ease of use, these firearms provide a potent solution for a variety of applications. Among the many options available, the Benelli Supernova and the Remington 870 stand out as titans. Both have earned their stripes, serving as trusted companions for countless individuals across the globe. But which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the intricacies of each shotgun, examining their features, performance, and suitability for different needs. Our goal is to provide you with the information necessary to make an informed decision, ensuring you select the perfect shotgun to meet your specific requirements. The world of pump-action shotguns is vast, but by focusing on the Benelli Supernova and the Remington 870, we can provide a clearer picture of what makes these firearms exceptional.
The Remington 870 holds a venerable position in the history of firearms. Introduced in the early nineteen fifties, the 870 rapidly gained popularity, becoming a go-to choice for law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters. Its simple, robust design proved to be incredibly reliable, capable of enduring the rigors of frequent use and demanding environments. The 870’s widespread adoption led to a massive aftermarket, making parts and accessories readily available and affordable. This accessibility played a crucial role in its enduring popularity, making it a true workhorse shotgun. The enduring legacy of the Remington 870 lies in its straightforward design, consistent performance, and ease of maintenance. It’s a testament to the power of a well-engineered firearm that has stood the test of time.
The Benelli Supernova, on the other hand, represents a more modern approach to pump-action shotgun design. Built by Benelli, known for their innovative and high-quality firearms, the Supernova made its entrance into the market with a focus on ergonomic improvements and durability. It incorporates cutting-edge materials and design elements to enhance shooter comfort and reduce recoil. While the Remington 870 emphasizes simplicity, the Benelli Supernova embraces innovation, resulting in a shotgun that feels different in the hand and aims to offer the shooter more technological advancements. This blend of performance and design sophistication has solidified its place as a favorite among shooters who appreciate a refined pump-action experience. The Supernova represents Benelli’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of shotgun technology, giving shooters another fantastic option.
Diving Deeper: A Detailed Comparison
When examining the Benelli Supernova and the Remington 870, several key aspects warrant close attention. Let’s break down the differences across these crucial areas to help you understand each shotgun more fully.
Ergonomics and Handling
The feel of a firearm is paramount to its usability. The way a shotgun fits your body, how it feels in your hands, can greatly impact accuracy and enjoyment.
The stocks of these two shotguns represent a clear divergence in design philosophy. The Remington 870 traditionally features a wood or synthetic stock, sometimes with a simple pistol grip. This provides a familiar, reliable feel, and the classic profile is a solid choice for many shooters. The Benelli Supernova, conversely, often incorporates a more modern, polymer-based stock, with features like a ComforTech recoil reduction system. This results in a lighter, more maneuverable feel, and the ComforTech system significantly mitigates recoil. This is a prominent difference between the two. Stock adjustability, too, can vary. While some models of the Remington 870 offer adjustable stocks, the Benelli Supernova frequently prioritizes a fixed, ergonomic design. Consider the grip. The Remington 870’s grip is often a classic, straightforward design. The Benelli Supernova generally integrates a more sculpted grip to enhance control, especially during rapid follow-up shots.
The pump action is the heart of any pump-action shotgun, the mechanism of operation. Both the Remington 870 and the Benelli Supernova have pump-action mechanisms, but the feel of these actions differs. The Remington 870 pump action is often known for its smooth and straightforward operation. The pump handle may feel solid, yet it still moves smoothly. The Benelli Supernova sometimes features a pump action that feels a bit tighter and more modern, a function of the materials and manufacturing processes used. The pump handle design can vary; the Supernova may present a more ergonomic, slightly larger handle to help with quick cycling.
Overall balance and weight also contribute significantly to how these shotguns handle. The Remington 870 tends to offer a balanced feel, often with a steel receiver that provides a more stable heft. The Benelli Supernova, thanks to its polymer construction, is frequently lighter. This makes it more nimble to handle and quicker to bring to bear, especially for fast-moving targets. The distribution of weight can also affect how the shotgun swings. The Supernova has its advantages there, while the classic 870 offers a familiar feel, one that’s made it into the hands of many, many shooters.
Features and Design: What Sets Them Apart
The differences extend beyond basic ergonomics. Examining the features and design reveals further distinctions.
The construction materials play a vital role in each shotgun’s performance. The Remington 870 is often built around a steel receiver, a choice that lends itself to durability and ruggedness. Steel provides a solid platform that withstands the stresses of repeated firing and harsh environments. The Benelli Supernova, in contrast, employs a high-strength polymer receiver. This lightweight material contributes to the Supernova’s overall weight savings while still offering considerable strength and resistance to corrosion. It is a bold design choice that enhances the shotgun’s maneuverability, too. The Benelli Supernova uses some polymer components throughout the firearm, which can affect its weight and how it feels.
Magazine capacity is another key feature. Both shotguns come with standard magazine tubes. However, both are often modified. Magazine extensions are available for both models, increasing their capacity for increased firepower. The availability of magazine extensions, along with the customization of other aspects, gives shooters an enhanced ability to tailor their shotgun to their specific needs.
Sights are another area to consider. Both shotguns come with bead sights, sufficient for quick target acquisition in most hunting scenarios. Some models offer rifle sights for enhanced accuracy at greater distances. The choice of sights can depend on the intended use. The Benelli Supernova and the Remington 870 both have sights. The choice depends on the user.
Additional features distinguish each model. The Benelli Supernova, as previously mentioned, incorporates Benelli’s ComforTech recoil reduction system, which reduces felt recoil by utilizing flexible inserts in the stock. This, combined with the polymer construction, makes the Supernova remarkably comfortable to shoot, even with heavy loads. The Remington 870, while not featuring such a system, is well-known for its simplicity and reliability. Some versions include shell carriers and magazine plugs, which can be useful for hunting or other purposes. These features, while useful, are generally not as prominent as what is seen on the Benelli Supernova.
Reliability and Durability: A Test of Time
Reliability is the cornerstone of any firearm. Both the Remington 870 and the Benelli Supernova have earned reputations for dependability, but they approach this aspect with different engineering philosophies.
The Remington 870 has a long-standing reputation for being a workhorse. Its straightforward design and robust construction contribute to its reliability. The simple mechanism translates to fewer points of failure and straightforward maintenance. It is a robust design. The Benelli Supernova also demonstrates exceptional reliability. Benelli’s manufacturing processes and quality control are excellent. The Supernova may have more complex designs, but it is built to withstand demanding use.
Ease of maintenance is essential for any firearm. The Remington 870 is renowned for its ease of disassembly and cleaning. Its simple design makes it easy to maintain even in field conditions. The Benelli Supernova, while more complex, is designed for easy cleaning and maintenance, although it might take a little more time.
The ability to handle different types of ammunition is a key factor. Both shotguns, generally, can handle a wide range of loads, from light target rounds to heavy buckshot and slugs. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific ammunition. Neither shotgun struggles much in this area, but it’s important to ensure that the ammo matches the intended use.
Performance and the Shooting Experience
How a shotgun performs when you pull the trigger is vital. The feel of recoil and how accurately you can place shots contribute to the shooting experience.
The Benelli Supernova excels at recoil management. The ComforTech system, along with its polymer construction, significantly reduces felt recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots and increased comfort during extended shooting sessions. The Remington 870, while not having a dedicated recoil reduction system, still offers good performance with well-designed stocks. The weight of the Remington 870 also assists in mitigating recoil.
Accuracy and patterning are important aspects of performance. Both shotguns are capable of delivering excellent accuracy at typical shotgun ranges. The use of different chokes and ammunition types can significantly affect shot patterns. Both the Remington 870 and the Benelli Supernova offer a degree of flexibility in this regard, allowing the shooter to adapt the shotgun to their specific needs.
Price and Value: Considering the Investment
The price is a crucial consideration for many. Understanding the relative value of each shotgun is essential.
The Remington 870 is often prized for its affordability. Its simple design and widespread manufacturing have contributed to a lower price point, making it an accessible option for shooters of all budgets. The Benelli Supernova, with its advanced features and construction, typically carries a higher price tag.
The perceived value of each shotgun extends beyond its initial cost. The Remington 870’s value is partly derived from its reliability, longevity, and widespread availability of parts. The Benelli Supernova’s value derives from its features, ergonomics, and recoil reduction. The long-term cost of ownership should also be considered. Both shotguns have excellent durability, but considering the long-term maintenance can help make a more informed decision.
Customization and Aftermarket Support: Tailoring Your Shotgun
Both shotguns have rich aftermarket support, allowing shooters to tailor their firearms to their exact specifications.
The Remington 870, owing to its extensive history and popularity, boasts a massive aftermarket. Shooters can find a vast array of accessories, including stocks, forends, sights, and magazine extensions. The abundance of options allows for extensive customization. The Benelli Supernova also has strong aftermarket support. While not as vast as the Remington 870, there are still plenty of options for customization, ranging from stocks and grips to tactical accessories.
Quick Summary: Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Remington 870 Pros:
- Affordable.
- Simple and Reliable Design.
- Wide Availability of Parts and Accessories.
- Remington 870 Cons:
- May not have as many advanced features.
- Recoil can be more pronounced.
- Benelli Supernova Pros:
- Excellent Recoil Management.
- Modern Features and Ergonomics.
- Durable Polymer Construction.
- Benelli Supernova Cons:
- Higher Price Point.
- Potentially more complex maintenance.
Who Should Choose Which Shotgun?
Deciding between the Remington 870 and the Benelli Supernova hinges on your individual needs and preferences.
Those who prioritize affordability, simplicity, and a proven track record might lean towards the Remington 870. It is a reliable workhorse and can be obtained at a reasonable price. Shooters on a budget will appreciate the cost. The 870 is a great choice.
Those who value cutting-edge features, exceptional recoil management, and a modern design might find the Benelli Supernova to be a better fit. This shotgun represents some of the latest technological advancements. Users will appreciate the reduced recoil.
Making the Final Choice
Ultimately, the “best” shotgun depends on your intended use, budget, and personal preferences. The Remington 870 offers a solid foundation with its proven reliability and affordable price. The Benelli Supernova provides a more modern, feature-rich experience, with outstanding recoil management. Both are capable, reliable shotguns. Both can excel in home defense, hunting, and other applications. The final decision is up to the shooter.
It is wise to research further. Considering shooting both shotguns if possible can aid in making the right decision. The Benelli Supernova and the Remington 870 are both outstanding shotguns. The choice requires an understanding of your requirements.
