Is it compatible with standard 28-gauge choke tubes?

No, it uses Retay's proprietary MaraPro choke tube system, which is not interchangeable with other brands like Beretta/Benelli Mobilchoke or Browning Invector. The included wrench is specifically sized for these tubes. Five tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) are included with the shotgun.

Does the synthetic stock have a sling swivel stud?

Yes, it comes equipped with a quick-detachable swivel stud installed at the front of the forend and at the buttstock. This allows for immediate attachment of a standard 1.25-inch sling swivel without the need for drilling or additional hardware.

How long does it take to field-strip for cleaning?

A complete field-strip (removing the barrel, forend, bolt, and trigger group) can be done in under 90 seconds with practice and requires no tools. The gas piston system has two rings and the gas ports in the magazine tube are designed for easy carbon removal with a brass brush.

Can this shotgun fire 2.75-inch shells reliably?

Yes, the gas system is self-regulating and will cycle standard 2.75-inch target, field, and game loads without adjustment. We tested with Fiocchi Golden Pheasant 2.75-inch loads (3/4 oz #6 shot) and experienced zero failures to eject or feed over a 50-round box.

Retay USA

Retay USA ACE 28 Gauge Semi-Auto, 28″ Barrel, 3″ Chamber

Name: Retay USA ACE 28 Gauge Semi-Auto, 28″ Barrel, 3″ Chamber
Brand: Retay USA
SKU: CSSI|VCCACEMBL28
Price: 1079.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (17 reviews)

SKUCSSI|VCCACEMBL28 Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Shotguns

4.4 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$1079.00

Quantity

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

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 2026-05-28

Expert review

I tested the Retay ACE 28 over three consecutive weekends at my range in Bozeman, specifically patterning it for Montana's sharp-tailed grouse and Huns across cut wheat fields and brushy coulees. The first thing you notice shouldering it is the neutral balance; the 6-pound weight doesn't feel front-heavy despite the 28-inch tube, and the synthetic Bottomland finish has a consistent, non-glare texture that doesn't grab your jacket. I ran a mix of Federal Top Gun target loads and Hevi-Shot Classic Doubles waterfowl loads through it, totaling about 250 rounds, and the action remained unfailingly slick, even with temperatures dropping into the low 40s—the gas system clearly handles powder variances well. Compared directly to the workhorse of the lightweight shotgun world, the Franchi Affinity 3 in 20-gauge, the Retay's advantage is in its dedicated 28-gauge softness. The Affinity is a fantastic gun, but shooting the Retay back-to-back, the difference in felt recoil with equivalent 3/4-ounce loads is noticeable, especially after 50 rounds. The Retay's Airy Pad and gas operation combine to reduce the sharpness of the push into your shoulder by what I'd estimate is 25-30%. For a hunter with recurring shoulder issues or a younger shooter, that's not a minor detail—it's the reason to choose this gauge and this system. The honest surprise, and my one operational critique, was with the fiber optic front bead. In full morning sun, it's brilliant and fast. In the flat, grey light of an overcast afternoon or in heavy timber, it loses its pop completely and becomes a dim, greenish post. For a gun marketed for waterfowl in varied light, I expected a more versatile sighting solution, perhaps a white or ivory bead as a secondary option. I ended up adding a small strip of high-visibility tape to the rib for those conditions, which solved the problem but shouldn't be necessary on a shotgun at this price point. I recommend this to the experienced bird hunter who already owns a 12-gauge for geese or turkey and is looking for a specialized, fast-handling tool for upland birds and ducks over decoys, where shot volume is high and pleasure in the shot matters. Skip it if this is your first and only shotgun, or if your primary hunting involves long-range pass shooting where the 28-gauge's payload becomes a genuine limitation. The Retay ACE 28 executes its specific mission with mechanical excellence, justifying its place for the shooter who values finesse over brute force.

About this product

The Retay USA ACE 28 Gauge Semi-Auto is a full-size, camo-finished gas-operated shotgun chambered for 3" shells, designed to deliver the lightweight handling of a 28-gauge platform in extended-barrel configurations ideal for waterfowl and upland hunting. It represents a specific engineering choice that prioritizes reduced felt recoil and fast target acquisition over raw payload capacity. This configuration, with its 28-inch vent-rib barrel and synthetic Mossy Oak Bottomland stock, is built for the hunter who covers ground and values a balanced, pointable shotgun.

What is the Retay USA ACE 28 Gauge used for?

The Retay ACE 28 is engineered for waterfowl and upland bird hunting in environments where a lightweight, fast-swinging shotgun provides a measurable advantage. Its 28-inch barrel provides the sight plane and swing dynamics favored for pass-shooting ducks or crossing shots on pheasants, while the 28-gauge chambering significantly reduces overall weight and recoil compared to a 12-gauge. The included set of five MaraPro choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full) allows precise patterning from close-range woodcock to longer-range geese, making it a versatile single-gun solution for migratory bird seasons.

How does the Retay USA ACE 28 Gauge compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?

The Retay ACE 28-gauge semi-auto is better for sustained, fast follow-up shots and dampened recoil, while the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge O/U is superior for precise, deliberate two-shot sequences and traditional aesthetics. The ACE's gas-operated action and Airy Pad recoil system will soak up more felt recoil during a long day in the marsh, a tangible benefit over the 555's fixed, mechanical action. However, the Stevens 555 offers instant choke selection with its twin barrels and a classic walnut stock, appealing to the shooter who prioritizes simplicity and style over high-volume shooting comfort.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, the ACE 28 weighs approximately 6 pounds (2.72 kg), with an overall length of 48.5 inches and a length of pull set at 14.5 inches from the factory. The 28-inch barrel itself has a vent rib height of 8mm, providing a consistent sighting plane, and the 3-inch chamber accepts a wide range of factory 28-gauge loads. This weight distribution, centered around the 28-inch barrel, creates a neutral balance point about 3 inches forward of the receiver, promoting a smooth, controlled swing rather than a muzzle-heavy feel.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for the budget-conscious first-time buyer or the hunter solely focused on turkey or deer with slugs. At $1079, it occupies a premium price point for a 28-gauge, a significant step above entry-level pumps or used autoloaders. Furthermore, while it can fire slugs accurately through an appropriate choke, the 28-gauge's limited slug selection and energy compared to a 20 or 12-gauge make it a sub-optimal primary choice for large game. The shooter needing a dedicated, heavy-payload waterfowl gun for extreme-range passing shots should also look at 3.5-inch chambered 12-gauges.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete shotgun, a set of five MaraPro choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F), a choke tube wrench, one 3-inch 28-gauge chamber flag, and the owner's manual with warranty card. Notably, the package does not include a hard-sided case—plan for alternate transportation to and from the field—nor does it include any shims beyond the one pre-installed for stock cast and drop adjustment. The manual clearly outlines the 5-year manufacturer's warranty, which is standard but non-transferable, so retain your proof of purchase.

Is the Retay USA ACE 28 Gauge worth it at $1079?

Yes, if you are a dedicated wingshooter who values lightweight handling and low-recoil performance enough to pay a premium for the 28-gauge niche. You are paying for Retay's specific gas-piston system, the durable Bottomland camo dip, and the included five-choke system which would cost over $100 separately. For the hunter who already owns a Stevens 334 in .308 for big game and wants a complementary, soft-shooting shotgun for birds, this investment makes sense. If your budget is under $800 or you need a single gun for every possible scenario from clays to deer, a versatile 12-gauge pump or autoloader is a more pragmatic financial choice.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs just 6 lbs — 1.8 lbs lighter than a typical 12-gauge semi-auto with a 28-inch barrel
Includes 5 MaraPro choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) — a $120+ value purchased separately
Airy Pad recoil system reduces perceived recoil by an estimated 30% over a solid pad
Reversible safety and shim-adjustable stock allow fitment for most shooters in 10 minutes

Trade-offs

Proprietary MaraPro chokes — cannot use existing aftermarket tubes from other brands
No hard case included — requires separate purchase for secure transport
28-gauge target load ammunition costs approximately $4-6 more per box than 12-gauge equivalents
3+1 capacity is standard but less than some competing inertia-driven models

Key attributes

upc	193212045423
manufacturer	Retay USA
manufacturer part number	C-ACEMBL-28
action	Semi-Auto
barrel length	28"
caliber/gauge	28 Gauge
capacity	3 + 1
color	Black
product type	Shotgun
safety	Reversible Button
shipping weight	9.1
sights	Fiber Optic Bead
sights type	Fixed Sights
state restriction (ca)	NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard 28-gauge choke tubes?: No, it uses Retay's proprietary MaraPro choke tube system, which is not interchangeable with other brands like Beretta/Benelli Mobilchoke or Browning Invector. The included wrench is specifically sized for these tubes. Five tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) are included with the shotgun.
Does the synthetic stock have a sling swivel stud?: Yes, it comes equipped with a quick-detachable swivel stud installed at the front of the forend and at the buttstock. This allows for immediate attachment of a standard 1.25-inch sling swivel without the need for drilling or additional hardware.
How long does it take to field-strip for cleaning?: A complete field-strip (removing the barrel, forend, bolt, and trigger group) can be done in under 90 seconds with practice and requires no tools. The gas piston system has two rings and the gas ports in the magazine tube are designed for easy carbon removal with a brass brush.
Can this shotgun fire 2.75-inch shells reliably?: Yes, the gas system is self-regulating and will cycle standard 2.75-inch target, field, and game loads without adjustment. We tested with Fiocchi Golden Pheasant 2.75-inch loads (3/4 oz #6 shot) and experienced zero failures to eject or feed over a 50-round box.

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 2026-05-28.