The Super Black Eagle II is the standard by which all others are judged!
The Nova is a great gun, it just feels bulky and not very smooth of an action but I would still choose it over a Remington 870 express. The Benelli , the Franchi, and the Stoeger autos all have the same inertia system and are all owned by Benelli. The Stoeger is made in Turkey so it is priced close to the Nova and I would choose it over the Nova if that was my budget. If you go with the Benelli, spend the extra for the comfortec stock, you won't regret it. The Franchi is priced somewhere in between. I personally shoot a Benelli Vinci 3" and like it very well, it is a little different looking but it just feels good on the shoulder. If I had it to do over, I might go with the Super Vinci to have the option to shoot 3 1/2s but most of the group I hunt with have SBE IIs and all just shoot 3". My advice is to find a gun shop that does lay away and get what you want, you have 8 months to pay for it. There should be some used guns available after the season a reasonable prices. I'm not sure where you are located but if you are anywhere near NE Ms, try Mitch's Gun Shop in Hamilton just north of Columbus , talk to Michael 662- 343- 8322, they lay away and ship.