Benelli USA Nova 3 Tactical shotgun
Author: Nick Miles | Publish Date: Apr 03, 2025
Benelli USA is making waves in 2025 with significant innovations across its product line. While the Advanced Impact barrel technology has garnered substantial attention, it may have overshadowed an even more significant development—the completely redesigned NOVA 3 Tactical pump-action shotgun unveiled at this year's SHOT Show.
The NOVA 3 Tactical features revolutionary Poly-Mod construction at its core, a manufacturing approach that combines polymer and steel to create a one-piece receiver and buttstock assembly. This design innovation streamlines manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while delivering a shotgun that feels remarkably responsive, lighter, and more maneuverable—critical advantages for home defense situations in confined spaces. The receiver comes factory-drilled and tapped, featuring a fully adjustable shielded aperture rear sight for enhanced target acquisition.
Beyond its structural redesign, the NOVA 3 incorporates several mechanical upgrades. Most notably, Benelli has integrated the M4 bolt assembly into this platform, featuring a long link at the rear and multi-lug head at the front, significantly enhancing reliability. Another notable addition is the shell cut-off feature—an uncommon element for tactical shotguns typically found on waterfowl models. This functionality is accessed via a button centrally positioned within the redesigned polymer fore-end assembly, allowing users to prevent shells from feeding from the magazine when retracting the pump. The familiar crossbolt safety mechanism from previous NOVA models remains intact.
All NOVA 3 variants come chambered in 12 gauge, but with a significant change—the chamber dimensions have been reduced to 3 inches (down from 3.5 inches in previous models). This modification creates a shorter action stroke that operates 14 percent faster than earlier generations. The NOVA 3 Tactical specifically features an 18.5-inch barrel with fixed choke and wing-protected front sight.
The NOVA 3 Tactical measures 40.5 inches in overall length, weighs just 5.9 pounds, and provides a 14.1-inch length of pull. Pricing starts at $529 MSRP. Hunters interested in the NOVA 3 platform will find camouflage versions with extended barrels featuring ventilated ribs, interchangeable chokes, and fiber-optic sights.
| Specifications | Model 20580 | Model 21500 | Model 21501 | Model 21505 | Model 21506 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ITEM NUMBER | 20580 | 21500 | 21501 | 21505 | 21506 |
| STOCK FINISH | Black Synthetic | Black Synthetic | Black Synthetic | MultiCam® Black | MultiCam® Black |
| RECEIVER FINISH | Anodized, Black | Anodized, Black | Anodized, Black | MultiCam® Black | MultiCam® Black |
| BARREL FINISH | Matte, Blued | Matte, Blued | Matte, Blued | MultiCam® Black | MultiCam® Black |
| GAUGE | 12 Gauge 2 3/4", 3" | 12 Gauge 2 3/4", 3" | 12 Gauge 2 3/4", 3" | 12 Gauge 2 3/4", 3" | 12 Gauge 2 3/4", 3" |
| BARREL LENGTH | 18.5" | 18.5" | 18.5" | 18.5" | 18.5" |
| GRIP | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| MSRP | $529 | $629 | $749 | $749 | $749 |
| STOCK CONFIGURATION | Standard | Standard | 922R Stock | 922R Stock | 922R Stock |
| SIZE | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| HAND-DOMINANCE | Right Handed | Right Handed | Right Handed | Right Handed | Right Handed |
| SPECIALTY CHOKE | Fixed Cylinder | Fixed Modified | M | Fixed Modified | M |
| CHAMBERED FOR | 2-3/4", 3" | 2-3/4", 3" | 2-3/4", 3" | 2-3/4", 3" | 2-3/4", 3" |
| MAGAZINE CAPACITY | 4+1 | 4+1 | 7+1 | 4+1 | 7+1 |
| SIGHT | Ghost-ring | Ghost-ring | Ghost-ring | Ghost-ring | Ghost-ring |
| ACTION | Pump | Pump | Pump | Pump | Pump |
| DRILLED & TAPPED | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LENGTH OF PULL | 14 1/8 | 14 1/8 | 14 1/8 | 14 1/8 | 14 1/8 |
| DROP AT HEEL | 2-3/8" | 2-3/8" | 2-3/8" | 2-3/8" | 2-3/8" |
| DROP AT COMB | 1-1/2" | 1-1/2" | 1-1/2" | 1-1/2" | 1-1/2" |
| OVERALL LENGTH | 40.25" | 40.25" | 40.25" | 40.25" | 40.25" |
| AVG. WEIGHT | 5.9 lbs | 5.9 lbs | 6.1 lbs | 5.9 lbs | 5.9 lbs |