Benelli SuperNova Tactical
Benelli Armi SpA · Shotgun · In Production · 2006
Also known as: SuperNova Tactical, Benelli SN Tactical
Overview
The Benelli SuperNova Tactical is a pump-action shotgun designed and manufactured by Italian firearms company Benelli Armi SpA. Introduced in 2006 as an evolution of the Benelli Nova, the SuperNova incorporates Benelli's ComforTech recoil reduction system and an innovative one-piece polymer receiver and buttstock construction. The receiver is built by over-molding corrosion-proof polymer onto a steel skeleton framework, creating an exceptionally strong yet lightweight structure that is impervious to weather conditions. The SuperNova Tactical features a rotating bolt head with dual action bars that lock steel-to-steel into the barrel extension, providing a massive three-lug rotary locking mechanism that safely contains chamber pressures. This rotating bolt design also enhances ejection reliability, flinging spent shells with both rotational and rearward force. Chambered in 12 gauge, the SuperNova Tactical accepts all 2-3/4", 3", and 3-1/2" magnum ammunition without modification, giving it exceptional versatility from light target loads to heavy magnum slugs. The tactical variant features an 18.5-inch barrel with a fixed cylinder choke optimized for close-range defensive use, ghost ring sights for rapid target acquisition, and a reversible crossbolt safety for ambidextrous operation. In 2022, the French Armed Forces adopted the SuperNova Tactical as their standard-issue shotgun in three configurations: 18.5" Tactical, 14" Tactical, and 28" Anti-Drone.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1010 mm (39.76") |
| Barrel Length | 470 mm (18.50") |
| Action Type | Pump Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 29 N (6.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12 ga, 12 bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Crossbolt Safety, Trigger Disconnect
- Features: Rotating Bolt Head, Dual Action Bars, Comfortech Recoil System, One Piece Polymer Receiver Stock, Ghost Ring Sights, Adjustable Length Of Pull, Adjustable Drop And Cast, Fixed Cylinder Choke, 3 5 Inch Magnum Chamber, Corrosion Proof Polymer Overmold, Steel Skeleton Framework
Variants
- Benelli SuperNova Tactical ComforTech Ghost Ring — Standard Tactical
- Benelli SuperNova Tactical Pistol Grip Ghost Ring — Pistol Grip
- Benelli SuperNova Tactical Open Rifle Sights — Open Sights
- Benelli SuperNova Tactical 14" Barrel — Short Barrel
- Benelli SuperNova Tactical 28" Anti-Drone — Anti Drone
- Benelli SuperNova Field — Hunting
Service history
Operators
- French Armed Forces · adopted 2022
- Bangladesh Ansar
- Royal Thai Police
Conflicts
- French Military Operations (Sahel) (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 2006-present
Exact production numbers not publicly available. Adopted as standard-issue shotgun by the entire French Armed Forces in 2022, with 1,800 units delivered to Bangladesh Ansar.
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Notes
The SuperNova was developed to showcase Benelli's Rilsan Technopolymer material technology. Its one-piece receiver and stock design eliminates the traditional junction between receiver and buttstock, improving durability and weather resistance. The ComforTech system uses interlocking chevrons in the stock that flex to distribute recoil energy over a longer time period, reducing felt recoil by up to 48% compared to conventional designs. The trigger pull specification from Benelli is between 5 and 8 pounds. Shim kits are included for adjusting drop and cast, and spacers allow customization of the length of pull to 13-7/8", 14-3/8", or 14-3/4". The SuperNova Tactical is available with either ComforTech stock or pistol grip stock configurations. Three-dot tritium inserts are available for the ghost ring sights. The forend is compatible with Nova pump field shotgun forends in 28", 26", and 24" configurations.
Background
The Benelli SuperNova emerged from Benelli's desire to push the boundaries of polymer technology in firearms. Its one-piece polymer-over-steel receiver construction was revolutionary when introduced, eliminating the weakest point on traditional shotguns: the stock-to-receiver junction. In 2022, the French Armed Forces chose it as their standard shotgun after severe evaluation tests, beating all competitors in three distinct configurations including a dedicated anti-drone variant with a 28-inch barrel.