Nova question

[eyewinder]

A 14-year-old who I hunt with just purchased (with his dad's help) his first new shotgun: a Benelli Nova. His first time shooting it was at clay targets with some $3.50/box Wal-Mart promotional shells.

The new Nova barely dented the shells' primers, and the majority of the shells failed to fire. But when run through an older Ithaca Model 37, the same shells (with the little dents in their primers) all fired and some even broke rocks.

Has anyone experienced similar problems with their Nova (or other Benelli shotgun model)?

[caseymcq]

I have had a Nova for four years. Never had any problems with it at all. The gun has been used hard(probably borderline abuse, but it is taken care of afterwords) and performs like a tank.

[cold one sd]

If it is new, take it back to where it was purchased. It should have a warranty.

[eyewinder]

An update, for those who are interested: I talked to the boy's father last night, and the retailer where the gun was purchased is doing everything right. They've offered another gun, or to refund purchase price.

From what little first-hand knowledge that I have of Benelli firearms, I was surprised with the apparent malfunction. I did find out the gun purchased was the retailer's last, and the display model. Perhaps it would have been wiser to insist on one NIB (new in box). I suppose that the display gun may have more of a history than even the salesperson might have been aware of.

Thanks for the responses.

[marine_man]

I've had my Nova now for 5 years for sure and have never had one misfire... I'd say it's something with the gun that was assembled incorrectly or a part that isn't right...

It's been a great gun for me...

marine_man

[JDM]

I wonder if they checked to make sure the magazine cap was screwed on tight?

I own two Nova's and they have never malfunctioned on me, even when they are used in very adverse conditions. It is a great gun, especially for the price.

[delcecchi]

Display model.... Broken firing pin from being dry fired by all the shoppers? I was told dry firing is hard on some guns. But that was back in the day.

[eyewinder]

JDM:

Your response made me curious. Would a loose (untightened) magazine cap cause the firing pin not to function properly?

I did tighten it down a bit with my fingers when checking the gun.

Thnx!

eyewinder

[JDM]

It actually wouldn't be the firing pin. If the magazine cap is even a little bit loose, your barrel, which contains the chamber, could slide forward just a lttle bit, which would be enough that the gun won't fire. I have seen this happen on pumps and have saved the day for many of my hunting partners with this fix. It is always worth checking if you are having this kind of problem, but it certainly could have still been a bad / broken firing pin. I have also seen that happen.

[eyewinder]

The gun (with the cap tightened) fired three of the shells this afternoon that had failed to fire when first tried Sunday. The firing pin is making a much nicer impression upon the primer(s) than before the cap was tightened.

The lad will hunt birds with his new gun this weekend to "field" test it.

Thanks for the suggestion!