EGW Benelli Super Nova Pump Shotgun Scope Mount Review

The Real-Use Review: EGW Benelli Super Nova Pump Shotgun Scope Mount

For years, my Benelli Super Nova has been a steadfast companion, a reliable workhorse for various tasks that demand a robust scattergun. Yet, equipping it with modern optics presented a familiar challenge: finding a mounting solution that was both secure and affordable. The search often led to over-engineered, overpriced options or flimsy alternatives that promised much but delivered little. Enter the EGW Benelli Super Nova Pump Shotgun Scope Mount, a piece of hardware I’d seen recommended but hadn’t personally tested until recently. This particular mount promises to bridge the gap between traditional shotgun utility and modern aiming systems, all while fitting the specific contours of the Benelli Super Nova and other Benelli pump-action shotguns.

My primary motivation for seeking out this specific mount stemmed from a desire to improve my accuracy with slugs and heavier buckshot loads at slightly extended ranges. While the factory ghost ring sights are functional, they lack the precision and speed offered by a red dot or a low-power variable optic. The issue with many shotgun mounts is their tendency to be either too low, obscuring the iron sights, or too high, forcing an unnatural cheek weld. I’d previously tried a few generic Weaver-style mounts on different shotguns, and they often required shims or custom work to achieve proper eye relief, a hassle I was keen to avoid. My aim was a straightforward, secure installation that wouldn’t compromise the shotgun’s fundamental reliability, even under the punishing recoil of 3.5-inch shells.

Upon receiving the EGW Benelli Super Nova Pump Shotgun Scope Mount, my initial impression was one of solid, no-nonsense construction. It’s crafted from what feels like robust aircraft aluminum, with a clean, matte black anodized finish that complements the shotgun’s tactical aesthetic without being overly flashy. It’s evident that this isn’t some cheap, stamped piece of metal; the machining appears precise, and the Picatinny rail slots are well-defined and uniform. I had considered a couple of integrated receiver/mount systems from more premium brands, but their price points were significantly higher, making this EGW offering a far more accessible solution for the everyday shooter. My immediate reaction was one of cautious optimism; it looked the part, and the build quality suggested it could handle the rigors of shotgun use.

Real-World Testing: Putting EGW Benelli Super Nova Pump Shotgun Scope Mount to the Test

My testing regimen began on the familiar grounds of my local indoor range, a controlled environment perfect for initial zeroing and functionality checks. The EGW Benelli Super Nova Pump Shotgun Scope Mount was installed directly onto the receiver of my Benelli Super Nova, which, thankfully, was already drilled and tapped for scope mounting. The process was straightforward, involving aligning the mount and starting the provided screws by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. I employed a torque wrench to tighten the screws to the manufacturer’s recommended specification, a crucial step for ensuring the mount’s integrity under recoil.

During these initial range sessions, I focused on how the mount performed under simulated field conditions. This included firing a variety of ammunition, from light 2.75-inch target loads to the formidable 3.5-inch magnum shells. The mount held its zero admirably, with no detectable shift or loosening after dozens of rounds. Even after experiencing the full brunt of magnum recoil, the mount remained firmly in place, a testament to its secure design and quality hardware. The Picatinny rail slots provided ample flexibility for positioning my chosen red dot sight, allowing me to achieve perfect eye relief without any cantilevering or overhang.

After several weeks and multiple range days, the EGW Benelli Super Nova Pump Shotgun Scope Mount has proven itself to be remarkably reliable. Daily handling, such as cleaning and storing the shotgun, has revealed no signs of wear or degradation. The anodized finish has resisted minor scuffs from range bags and gun cases, and the rail slots remain sharp and free of debris, indicating good material hardness. Maintenance has been as simple as giving the mount a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth and occasionally ensuring the mounting screws remain snug. Compared to some generic mounts I’ve used in the past that developed play after just a few outings, this EGW unit feels substantially more durable and dependable.

Extended Use & Reliability

The true test of any gear is its performance over time and through consistent use, and this scope mount has certainly been put through its paces. I’ve taken my Benelli Super Nova, now sporting this mount and an optic, on several hunting trips for waterfowl and upland game, where the shotgun is frequently carried, exposed to elements, and subjected to the jarring of navigating rough terrain. The mount’s robust construction has held up exceptionally well; there’s no creaking, no shifting, and more importantly, no loss of zero after multiple shots in varying conditions. It’s weathered light rain and damp conditions without any visible corrosion, which is a common issue with lesser quality aluminum accessories.

One of the key indicators of a quality mount is how it handles extreme forces. Firing 3.5-inch magnum loads from a Super Nova is akin to a small explosion happening at the receiver, and this mount has absorbed that punishment without flinching. The initial installation felt secure, and subsequent firing only reinforced that feeling. I haven’t had to re-tighten the screws since the initial torque-down, which is more than I can say for some other firearm accessories I’ve owned. This level of reliability is precisely what one looks for in equipment that could potentially mean the difference between a missed opportunity and a successful hunt or defensive engagement.

Maintenance is, thankfully, a non-issue with this scope mount. Its matte black, anodized finish is resistant to fingerprints and easily wiped clean. For routine shotgun cleaning, the mount doesn’t impede access to the receiver or bolt components in any significant way. I’ve found that a quick blast of compressed air or a soft brush is usually all that’s needed to clear any dust or debris that might accumulate in the Picatinny slots. Unlike some complex mounting systems that require specialized tools for disassembly or adjustment, this unit is as simple as it gets, which is a huge advantage for anyone who values practical, no-fuss gear.

Breaking Down the Features of EGW Benelli Super Nova Pump Shotgun Scope Mount

Specifications

The EGW Benelli Super Nova Pump Shotgun Scope Mount is constructed from 6061 T6 aircraft aluminum, a material choice that immediately signals durability and strength without adding excessive weight. This aluminum alloy is known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making it a popular choice in both aerospace and firearms accessory manufacturing. The mount features a military-grade Picatinny rail, which is a critical specification for compatibility. This standardized rail system ensures that it can accept both Picatinny and Weaver-style scope rings, offering immense flexibility in optic selection.

The Picatinny slots are precisely machined to mil-spec dimensions, providing a secure lock-up for your scope rings and preventing any unwanted movement under recoil. This design allows for flexible tactical rifle scope positioning, enabling the user to fine-tune the placement of their optic for optimal eye relief. This is particularly important with shotguns, where variable shooting stances and different ammunition types can necessitate slight adjustments for consistent sight picture acquisition. The mount boasts an anodized matte black finish, a common and practical choice that reduces glare and provides a degree of corrosion resistance.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the EGW Benelli Super Nova Pump Shotgun Scope Mount is to provide a stable and reliable platform for mounting an optic onto a Benelli Super Nova or other Benelli pump-action shotgun. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. It securely holds my red dot sight without any wobble or shifting, even after sustained firing with heavy loads. The Picatinny rail slots offer excellent purchase for scope ring cross-bolts, ensuring that the optic stays precisely where it’s zeroed.

The most significant strength of this scope mount is its rock-solid stability. Once properly installed, it feels like an integral part of the shotgun. Its ability to handle the intense recoil of magnum shotgun shells without losing zero is particularly impressive. This robustness means you can confidently rely on your optic for accurate shots when it counts.

A potential area for improvement, though minor and largely dependent on user preference, is the inherent height increase that comes with any receiver-mounted rail. As noted in some user feedback, this can raise the sightline by about half an inch. While this is often necessary for clearing iron sights or accommodating larger optics, it requires a slight adjustment in shooting technique. For shooters who prefer a very low bore axis or rely heavily on shooting with a stock bead sight, this elevation might be noticeable.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the EGW Benelli Super Nova Pump Shotgun Scope Mount is fundamentally practical and purpose-driven. Machined from 6061 T6 aircraft aluminum, it feels substantial without being overly heavy, maintaining the balance of the shotgun. The anodized matte black finish not only looks good but also effectively minimizes glare, a crucial factor in outdoor shooting environments. The Picatinny rail is well-executed, with cleanly defined slots that ensure a positive engagement with scope rings.

Ergonomically, the mount is designed to be installed and then largely left alone. It doesn’t introduce any new points of contact that would affect how the shotgun is handled in a standard grip. However, as mentioned, the higher sightline it creates is an ergonomic consideration that the user must adapt to. It necessitates a slightly higher cheek weld, which can be achieved with appropriate stock extensions or by consciously adjusting head position. The installation process itself is straightforward, relying on the existing screw holes on the shotgun’s receiver.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of durability, the EGW Benelli Super Nova Pump Shotgun Scope Mount is built to last. The 6061 T6 aircraft aluminum construction is inherently strong and resistant to damage. The anodized matte black finish provides a good layer of protection against minor scratches and corrosion. Given its robust build, I anticipate this mount will serve for many years, even with regular use and exposure to various outdoor conditions.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down with a cloth is usually sufficient to keep it clean. The Picatinny rail slots can sometimes accumulate fouling, but a soft brush or compressed air easily clears them. There are no complex moving parts or delicate mechanisms to worry about. The main potential failure point would be the screws loosening, but this is mitigated by proper installation torque and the inherent quality of the mount’s design, which keeps everything securely in place.

Accessories and Customization Options

The EGW Benelli Super Nova Pump Shotgun Scope Mount itself is the primary component, and it’s designed for broad compatibility. It directly accepts Picatinny scope rings and Weaver-style scope rings, which are the most common types available for rifle scopes and red dot sights. This means users have a vast selection of optics to choose from without being locked into a proprietary system. The mount comes with the necessary mounting screws for installation onto a pre-drilled Benelli Super Nova or other compatible Benelli pump shotgun receiver.

While the mount doesn’t come with additional accessories in the traditional sense, its primary “customization” lies in the flexible tactical rifle scope positioning it allows. The multiple slots on the Picatinny rail enable users to adjust their optic forward or backward to achieve their ideal eye relief. This is a crucial feature for comfort and consistent shooting, especially when transitioning between different types of optics or ammunition. The compatibility with standard scope rings means users can select rings of varying heights to achieve the desired clearance for their optic and the shotgun’s barrel.

Pros and Cons of EGW Benelli Super Nova Pump Shotgun Scope Mount

Who Should Buy EGW Benelli Super Nova Pump Shotgun Scope Mount?

The EGW Benelli Super Nova Pump Shotgun Scope Mount is an ideal choice for Benelli Super Nova owners and those with similar Benelli pump-action shotguns who wish to reliably mount a red dot sight, holographic sight, or low-power variable optic. It’s perfect for shooters looking to improve accuracy with slugs, birdshot at longer ranges, or for tactical applications where magnified or illuminated sights are beneficial. This mount is for the practical shooter who values a secure and durable mounting solution without overpaying for unnecessary features.

Those who should probably skip this product are individuals with Benelli shotguns that are not pre-drilled and tapped for scope mounts; this unit requires factory provisions for installation. Additionally, if you are someone who needs to retain the use of the factory ghost ring or bead sights in conjunction with your optic via a lower mount, this specific rail’s height might not be suitable without specialized see-through rings. A must-have accessory for using this mount would be a set of quality Picatinny scope rings that match your optic’s tube diameter and desired height.

Conclusion on EGW Benelli Super Nova Pump Shotgun Scope Mount

The EGW Benelli Super Nova Pump Shotgun Scope Mount stands out as a superior option for anyone looking to outfit their Benelli Super Nova or compatible Benelli pump shotgun with an optic. Its construction from 6061 T6 aircraft aluminum and adherence to military-grade Picatinny rail specifications ensure a product that is both durable and highly functional. The mount provides an incredibly secure and stable platform capable of withstanding the substantial recoil generated by 12-gauge ammunition, ensuring that your optic stays zeroed shot after shot.

Considering its modest price of $29.99, the value proposition is undeniable. It offers the performance and reliability of mounts costing significantly more, making it an accessible upgrade for a wide range of shooters. While it does increase the overall sightline height, a common characteristic of rail-mounted systems, this is a minor trade-off for the enhanced aiming capabilities it provides. I wholeheartedly recommend the EGW Benelli Super Nova Pump Shotgun Scope Mount to any Benelli shotgun owner seeking a robust, reliable, and economical way to mount their preferred optic. It’s a testament to smart design and quality manufacturing that simply gets the job done.