New For 2025: Benelli USA Nova 3 Tactical

Christopher Olsen, Managing Editor

posted on March 30, 2025

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Benelli USA is off to an incredible start in 2025 with the release of new technologies spread into its lineup. The firm’s new Advanced Impact barrel is certainly one of the most exciting announcements, while possibly overshadowing something even bigger—the new NOVA 3 Tactical. For 2025, the Italian innovator and shotgun maker announced at SHOT Show it completely redesigned its NOVA pump-action scattergun.

Benelli NOVA 3 Tactical pump-action shotgun right-side view black gun white background — Built with Poly-Mod construction, the new NOVA 3 Tactical has a monolithic, one-piece buttstock and receiver assembly. Photo courtesy of BenelliUSA.com.

Starting at the receiver of the new NOVA 3 Tactical, in an effort to improve efficiency in manufacturing, assembly and maintenance of the gun, Benelli introduced Poly-Mod construction. This new approach to shotgun design makes use of polymer and steel to create a monolithic receiver and buttstock assembly. The resultant effect is one that is lively between the hands, lighter and nimbler, which is a boon to home defenders using guns such as the NOVA 3 Tactical in close-quarter environments. The receiver comes drilled and tapped and fitted with a fully adjustable and shielded aperture rear sight.

Benelli NOVA 3 Tactical shotgun barrel fore-end closeup showing parts — The redesigned fore-end of the NOVA 3 contains stippling and serrations for purchase, and a new a shell cut-off feature utilizes a button found along the assembly's underside. Note the smooth-topped barrel of the Tactical version with shielded front sight. Photo courtesy of BenelliUSA.com.

The new NOVA 3 takes on a few other mechanical upgrades as well. Inside the action is where one big improvement can be found: Benelli is using a M4 bolt assembly, with a long link at the rear and multi-lug head up front, in the NOVA 3 redesign, further adding reliability to the platform. In addition to M4 components, Benelli added a shell cut-off feature; nested centrally within the redesigned polymer fore-end assembly, underneath is a button that enables operators to block the magazine tube from sending a shell into the action upon retracting the assembly. Although this useful safety feature is one typically found on waterfowl guns, it is unique to see incorporated into a defensive-type arm. Like previous NOVA shotguns, a crossbolt safety is retained.

Benelli USA NOVA 3 Tactical buttstock and receiver poly-mod black gun raised rear sight topping the gun — The new NOVA 3 Tactical comes complete with rubber recoil pad and sling provisions. Note the improved grip and one-piece stock/receiver combination. Photo courtesy of BenelliUSA.com.

It is important to note these new shotguns all will come chambered for 12 gauge shotshells, however, for this latest generation of NOVA 3, the chamber dimensions are reduced to 3” making for a shorter-to-stroke action that operates 14 percent faster than its predecessors. Benelli lists several versions of the NOVA 3 Tactical all offering 18.5” barrels with fixed chokes. Barrels are fitted with a wing-protected front sight.

Overall length for the NOVA 3 Tactical measures 40.5” with a weight of 5.9 lbs. Length of pull is set for 14.1”. MSRP for the new NOVA 3 starts at $529. Hunters looking for a NOVA 3 option will find camouflage versions with longer barrels featuring ventilated ribs, removable chokes and fiber-optic sights. For more information, visit BenelliUSA.com.