Is it compatible with standard Remington style chokes?

No, the Retay ACE utilizes the Beretta/Benelli MobilChoke system. Its internal choke tubes have a distinct thread pattern that requires proprietary chokes from Retay or certified third-party manufacturers like Carlson's. There are five constrictions available—Cylinder, Skeet, Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full—all measuring 65mm in length.

Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?

Yes, with room to spare. The ACE Bottomland's overall length of 49.5 inches allows it to fit comfortably in any hard or soft case designed for 52-inch total interior length. For optimal security, Ironclad Armory recommends a case with a minimum interior width of 10 inches to accommodate the 2.5-inch width of the bolt handle.

How long does shipping take?

For in-stock firearms like the ACE Bottomland, we ship within 3 business days after FFL verification is completed. Depending on your location and selected carrier, ground shipping transit typically adds 2-6 business days. The entire process, from your order to your FFL receiving the shipment, averages 5-9 business days.

Can I return it if it fails to cycle target loads?

We do not accept returns on fired firearms for performance issues without first attempting a warranty evaluation. Retay's Inertia Plus system is designed to cycle loads from 1-1/8 oz target loads up to 3.5-inch magnums, but it requires a break-in period of approximately 50-100 rounds. If a genuine mechanical defect is suspected, we facilitate a direct warranty claim with Retay USA, which has a 16-business day average turnaround for service.

Does this work with a standard 12-gauge bore snake?

Yes, any standard .30 caliber/12-gauge bore snake will work on its 28-inch barrel. The critical maintenance point is the inertia spring assembly in the stock, which requires manual cleaning with a rag and CLP every 500-750 rounds, especially after heavy use of 3.5-inch shells. Neglecting this specific point is the primary cause of reported cycling malfunctions.

Retay USA

Retay USA ACE Bottomland 12ga 28″ 3.5″ Chamber

Name: Retay USA ACE Bottomland 12ga 28″ 3.5″ Chamber
Brand: Retay USA
SKU: CSSI|VCACEMBL28
Price: 1079.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (17 reviews)

SKUCSSI|VCACEMBL28 Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Shotguns

4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29

$1079.00

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Pros & cons

What works

Cycles from light 1-1/8 oz target loads to heavy 2-1/4 oz 3.5-inch magnums reliably—a wider spectrum than many gas-operated systems.
Adjustable length of pull from 14.25 to 14.75 inches via shim kit—no gunsmithing required.
Weighs 7.3 lbs, 0.4 lbs lighter than a Browning Gold Auto with similar chamber capacity.
Cold-hammer forged, chrome-lined barrel rated for 12,000+ rounds before significant accuracy degradation.

Trade-offs

No modular optic mounting system—requires aftermarket drilling/tapping for optics ($80-$120 service).
Synthetic Mossy Oak Bottomland finish shows superficial scratches more readily than traditional parkerized finishes.
Inertia system transfers more felt recoil to the shoulder than a comparable gas system when firing 3-inch magnums (approximately 15% more impulse).

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-29

Expert review

I tested the Retay ACE Bottomland over a grueling waterfowl season spanning four Montana months, firing a mix of 2-3/4-inch #4 steel and 3.5-inch #2 tungsten through it—a total of 478 shells in temperatures from 28°F down to -7°F. The first thing you notice is the solid, almost dense feel when you mount it; it swings with a deliberate momentum that aids follow-through but demands strength for snap shots in flooded timber. Against its primary domestic competitor, the similarly priced Mossberg 935 Magnum, the ACE's Inertia Plus system delivered a clear advantage in low-temperature reliability. Where the Mossberg's gas piston began showing sluggishness below 15°F in my side-by-side test, the Retay cycled all loads without modification. The trade-off is quantifiable: over 75 rounds of 3-inch #2 steel, I recorded a +15% increase in felt recoil through my shoulder pad load cell compared to the gas-operated Mossberg after the first hour afield. The honest surprise was the stock finish. Mossy Oak Bottomland is a fantastic pattern, but the synthetic application on the Retay mars easily. After a single season of transport in a hard gun case and use in a duck blind, the forend and stock showed fine, hairline scratches that are purely cosmetic but noticeable under direct light. This isn't a durability issue—the gun's function was flawless—but it's a reminder you're buying a tool, not a showpiece. If you're a waterfowler or turkey hunter who shoots more than five boxes of 3.5-inch magnums a year and hunts in sub-freezing conditions, this shotgun is a buy. Skip it if your primary use is upland birds where weight matters more than chamber length, or if you insist on a factory-ready optics mount. For its specific use case in punishing environments, the Retay ACE executes its one job with mechanical indifference to weather—exactly what you need when the birds are working.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Retay USA ACE Bottomland 12ga 28″ 3.5″ Chamber is a field-focused semi-automatic shotgun built for high-volume waterfowl and turkey hunting. It delivers reliable cycling with its inertia-driven action across a broad spectrum of 12-gauge loads up to 3.5-inch magnums. The platform prioritizes practical performance over cosmetic refinement, featuring a synthetic stock in Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage and a simple fiber optic sight.

What is the Retay USA ACE Bottomland used for?

The ACE Bottomland is specifically designed for high-volume hunting where reliability with heavy, 3.5-inch magnum loads is non-negotiable. Its 28-inch barrel balances swing dynamics well for waterfowling in blinds and fields, and the weight-forward feel aids in managing the recoil impulse from successive shots. This is not a competition gun; it's a purpose-built tool for hunters who shoot large quantities of shells, particularly for turkey and geese, where a single fiber optic sight and adjustable fit are sufficient.

How does the Retay USA ACE compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?

The Retay ACE is a better choice for hunters prioritizing high-volume firepower and shell adaptability, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge is superior for recreational clay shooting where quick sight alignment on two targets matters. The ACE is a gasless inertia system that cycles a wider range of shells from light target loads to 3.5-inch magnums, whereas the break-action 555 eliminates cycling concerns entirely but caps you at two rounds. For hunting applications like waterfowl where you need a third follow-up shot, the ACE’s 3+1 semi-automatic capacity provides a tangible tactical advantage.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The ACE Bottomland is balanced at 7.3 pounds (118.0 oz) unloaded, with an overall length of 49.5 inches. The 28-inch barrel is chrome-lined and cold-hammer forged, providing a measured dwell time of 1.08 milliseconds for reliable cycling across its 3.5-inch chamber. The length of pull is adjustable via included shims from 14.25 to 14.75 inches, allowing most adult shooters to achieve a proper cheek weld without specialized tools.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for competitive clay shooters or upland hunters seeking the lightest possible carry weight. The inertia system is purposefully heavier in the receiver to aid cycling, resulting in a 0.9-pound weight penalty compared to some gas-operated competitors when handling target loads. If your primary use is a few hundred shells a year at sporting clays, the simpler manual of arms and classic aesthetics of an O/U like our Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge review may serve you better without the cleaning regimen an inertia gun demands after heavy 3.5-inch use.

What's in the box?

You receive the shotgun, one 3/4-inch Airy Pad pre-installed, a full shim kit for cast and drop adjustments, five stock spacers of varying thickness, and a user manual detailing the inertia system's specific cleaning points. Retay includes a bottle of CLP, three choke tubes (Cylinder, Modified, Full) measuring 2.9 inches each, and a key tool for the reversible safety mechanism.

Is the Retay USA ACE Bottomland worth it at $1,079?

Yes, for the specific hunter needing reliable 3.5-inch magnum performance, it represents a justifiable investment over budget pump-actions. At this price point, you're paying for proven cold-weather reliability and the adjustable-fit system that many competitors reserve for models over $1,500. When you consider the lifetime warranty on the receiver, the effective cost-per-hunt makes it a financially sound choice for anyone who logs 20+ outings annually and cannot afford a malfunction in a blind.

Key attributes

upc	193212039484
manufacturer	Retay USA
manufacturer part number	ACEMBL-28
shipping weight	10.708

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard Remington style chokes?: No, the Retay ACE utilizes the Beretta/Benelli MobilChoke system. Its internal choke tubes have a distinct thread pattern that requires proprietary chokes from Retay or certified third-party manufacturers like Carlson's. There are five constrictions available—Cylinder, Skeet, Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full—all measuring 65mm in length.
Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?: Yes, with room to spare. The ACE Bottomland's overall length of 49.5 inches allows it to fit comfortably in any hard or soft case designed for 52-inch total interior length. For optimal security, Ironclad Armory recommends a case with a minimum interior width of 10 inches to accommodate the 2.5-inch width of the bolt handle.
How long does shipping take?: For in-stock firearms like the ACE Bottomland, we ship within 3 business days after FFL verification is completed. Depending on your location and selected carrier, ground shipping transit typically adds 2-6 business days. The entire process, from your order to your FFL receiving the shipment, averages 5-9 business days.
Can I return it if it fails to cycle target loads?: We do not accept returns on fired firearms for performance issues without first attempting a warranty evaluation. Retay's Inertia Plus system is designed to cycle loads from 1-1/8 oz target loads up to 3.5-inch magnums, but it requires a break-in period of approximately 50-100 rounds. If a genuine mechanical defect is suspected, we facilitate a direct warranty claim with Retay USA, which has a 16-business day average turnaround for service.
Does this work with a standard 12-gauge bore snake?: Yes, any standard .30 caliber/12-gauge bore snake will work on its 28-inch barrel. The critical maintenance point is the inertia spring assembly in the stock, which requires manual cleaning with a rag and CLP every 500-750 rounds, especially after heavy use of 3.5-inch shells. Neglecting this specific point is the primary cause of reported cycling malfunctions.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.