RETAY ACE 20 Gauge 28″ Mossy Oak Bottomland Semi-Auto
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.94 lbs (49.2 oz) – provides a stable swing for a 28" barrel without being muzzle-heavy.
- Includes a full 5-choke set (C, IC, M, IM, F) – a $150+ value if purchased separately for most shotguns.
- Inertia action cycles light 7/8 oz target loads to heavy 1 1/4 oz magnums with zero gas system adjustment.
- Mossy Oak Bottomland hydro-dip is highly abrasion-resistant – superior to standard painted finishes for brush durability.
Trade-offs
- Uses proprietary MaraPro chokes – limits aftermarket choke selection compared to Benelli/Beretta systems.
- No magazine plug included – hunter must source a compliant plug separately for waterfowl use.
- Online-only purchase through Ironclad Armory – no option for in-person fit check before buying.
- Synthetic stock has hollow sound – lacks the solid feel of a foam-filled or walnut stock.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The RETAY ACE 20 Gauge 28" Mossy Oak Bottomland Semi-Auto is a full-size, synthetic-stocked inertia-driven shotgun chambered for 3" shells and built for low-maintenance performance in wet, brushy field conditions. This Turkish-made autoloader uses the same principle of operation as a Benelli M2, though it is built to a more accessible price point. Its primary strength lies in being a dedicated, ready-to-hunt package, complete with a full choke set and adjustable fit, that requires very little gunsmithing or aftermarket investment to make effective.
What is the RETAY ACE 20 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is optimized for upland and waterfowl hunting in environments like flooded timber or prairie grass, where the Mossy Oak Bottomland finish and weather-resistant internals are functional advantages. The inertia system, with its 6.94 lb unloaded weight, cycles 2 3/4" light target loads as reliably as 3" magnums, making it a versatile choice for everything from clays practice to field hunts. The 28" vent rib barrel and included five chokes provide the necessary barrel length and patterning flexibility for consistent hits on crossing doves, flushing pheasants, and decoying ducks in varied conditions.
How does the RETAY ACE compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge O/U?
Compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge O/U, the RETAY ACE is better suited for fast, multiple-target shooting and inclement weather hunting, while the Stevens 555 is superior for disciplined target sports and formal clay games. The ACE's semi-automatic action offers a perceived recoil reduction of roughly 30-40% over the break-action Stevens, which is a tangible benefit during a long day shooting heavy waterfowl loads. However, the Stevens, as an over/under, offers instant access to two chokes and is the preferred platform for American Trap or Skeet where consistent 30" point-of-impact between shots is critical—the ACE's gas-less inertia system will have slightly more felt recoil than a gas-operated semi-auto, though with vastly reduced carbon fouling.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun has a scale-verified unloaded weight of 6.94 lbs (49.2 oz), an overall length of 48.5", and a length of pull of 14.5". The 28" barrel has a 0.725" internal diameter at the muzzle (cylinder bore) and a vent rib with a 9mm flat top for consistent sighting. The Mossy Oak Bottomland hydro-dipped finish adds negligible weight over a plain synthetic stock, keeping the center of gravity balanced midway between the receiver and the forend lug, which is within 4" of the trigger guard.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for the target shooter whose primary discipline is American Trap, where a dedicated 30" or 32" single-barrel shotgun or over/under like the Stevens 555 will provide a more stable, consistent swing. It's also not ideal for a tactical or home defense role; its 28" barrel length and 48.5" overall length make it cumbersome for indoor use, and its 3+1 capacity is limited compared to purpose-built defensive shotguns. Finally, for the shooter who demands a traditional walnut stock for aesthetic reasons, the synthetic, camo-dipped stock will be a non-starter.
What's in the box?
The factory carton includes the shotgun with a factory-installed Modified choke, a protective plastic trigger lock, a hard plastic zippered case with foam inserts, a full five-choke set (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full) utilizing the proprietary MaraPro choke system with wrenches, and a standard plastic shim kit offering 0.125" of drop and cast adjustment. Retay does not include a magazine plug for waterfowl compliance, which must be sourced separately by the hunter to adhere to migratory bird regulations.
Is the RETAY ACE worth it at $1079?
At $1079, the RETAY ACE offers significant value as a complete, functional hunting system for the shooter who wants a reliable, camo-clad, inertia-driven autoloader without entering the $1500+ price bracket of a Beretta A300 or Stevens 334 rifle. You are paying for a dedicated hunting tool with a proven action type, a durable finish, and a full suite of chokes that would cost over $150 if purchased separately for most other shotguns. The primary cost consideration is that this is an online-only purchase through Ironclad Armory, which means you cannot physically handle the gun before buying, and any fitment issues must be resolved through the included shim kit or aftermarket stock work.
Key attributes
| upc | 193212029843 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | B-ACEMBL-28 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 39.3000 |
| package height | 2.05 |
| package width | 9.55 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Reversible Button |
| shipping weight | 9.45 |
| sights | TruGlo Fiber Optic Front bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 20 gauge chokes?
- No. The RETAY ACE uses its proprietary MaraPro choke thread system, not the industry-standard Mobilchoke, Invector, or Beretta/Benelli pattern. You must use the included five-choke set or purchase additional MaraPro tubes directly from Retay or an authorized distributor. The chokes are installed with a unique hexagonal key wrench, provided in the box.
- Does it fit in a standard 52" shotgun case?
- Yes. With an overall length of 48.5", the ACE fits easily in any standard or airline-approved 52" hard case. We recommend a minimum interior case length of 50" to provide adequate padding at the muzzle and buttpad. For transport, the gun can be broken down into two pieces (barrel removed from receiver) in under 15 seconds for storage in a more compact 32" case.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock firearms for shipping within 1-3 business days. Transit time via FedEx or UPS 2-Day Air is typically 2-5 additional business days to your selected FFL dealer. You must contact your chosen FFL in advance to provide them with your information and confirm they accept shipments from online retailers before completing your purchase.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit me?
- No. Due to federal regulations, all firearm sales are final once the transfer is completed at your FFL. The included shim kit allows for some length-of-pull and drop adjustment, but if the stock geometry is fundamentally wrong for your body, your only recourse is to sell the firearm privately or have a gunsmith alter or replace the stock, which can cost $150-$400.
- Does this work with a Carlson's extended choke tube?
- Only if Carlson's manufactures tubes specific to the Retay MaraPro thread pattern. As of this writing, major aftermarket choke manufacturers like Carlson's, Trulock, and Patternmaster do not produce chokes for the Retay system. You are limited to Retay's own factory chokes and a small selection from specialized makers like Sumtoy Customs, which requires a custom order and a 6-8 week lead time.