RETAY USA ACE EXTRA 12GA 26in BLACK SYNTHETIC
About this product
The RETAY USA ACE Extra 12GA 26in is a full-size semi-automatic shotgun chambered for 3.5-inch magnum shells, built with a synthetic stock and patented recoil system for field reliability. It ships with five chokes and features an inertia-driven piston system that eliminates gas ports for cleaner operation. This setup delivers a 3+1 capacity in a configuration designed to handle everything from light target loads to heavy waterfowl ammunition without manual adjustments.
What is the RETAY USA ACE Extra used for?
This shotgun is designed for high-volume field shooting where reliability with varied ammunition is non-negotiable, particularly waterfowl hunting and clay target sports. The 26-inch barrel with its lengthened forcing cone and vent rib provides a consistent swing plane and improved shot pattern consistency over standard cylinders. Its Inertia Piston System cycles everything from 2.75-inch light target loads to 3.5-inch magnum steel shot without gas system adjustments, a distinct advantage over gas-operated competitors like the Beretta A300 Outlander that require tuning for load variations.
How does the RETAY USA ACE Extra compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The ACE Extra is better for rapid follow-up shots and ammunition versatility, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U offers superior pointability and immediate sight-alignment with its twin barrels. The RETAY's semi-automatic action provides a faster 3+1 capacity cycle for waterfowl blinds, whereas the Stevens' over-under design gives instant access to two different chokes and eliminates cycling failures entirely. For shooters prioritizing speed and high-volume firing, the RETAY wins; for precision clay disciplines requiring consistent barrel alignment, the Stevens configuration is mechanically superior.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.9 pounds unloaded, with an overall length of 47.5 inches and a 26-inch barrel featuring a 3.5-inch forcing cone extension. The synthetic stock incorporates an adjustable length-of-pull shim system that modifies drop and cast by ±0.25 inches, while the Airy Pad System reduces felt recoil by approximately 18% compared to standard rubber pads according to independent testing. These dimensions place it squarely in the standard field gun category—lighter than most steel-receiver guns but with sufficient mass to manage magnum recoil effectively.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for traditionalists seeking walnut and blued steel aesthetics, nor for competitors requiring sub-6 pound quick-handling guns for upland hunting. The synthetic stock and matte finish prioritize durability over classic appearance, while the 6.9-pound weight and 47.5-inch length make it less maneuverable in thick cover than shorter models like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact. Additionally, shooters who exclusively fire one specific shell length will not utilize the inertia system's primary advantage over simpler gas-operated designs.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with installed fiber optic front bead, five MaraPro choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), three stock adjustment shims (0°, 15° up, 15° down), and the factory multi-tool for choke and stock adjustments. The package includes a basic nylon sling, but notably omits a hard case—the gun ships in a cardboard box with foam inserts that provide adequate transit protection but no field security. Compared to Turkish imports that often include elaborate hard cases, RETAY prioritizes functional components over packaging accessories.
Is the RETAY USA ACE Extra worth it at $999?
At $999, this shotgun delivers legitimate value for hunters who need magnum-shell capability without sacrificing light-load reliability—a combination that typically costs $300-400 more in established brands. The included five-choke system represents approximately $150 worth of aftermarket components, while the adjustable stock system eliminates another $75-100 in gunsmith fitting. For shooters who will exploit its full ammunition spectrum and recoil management technology, the investment pays off; for those needing only basic 2.75-inch chamber performance, less expensive options exist.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Cycles all 12-gauge lengths from 2.75" to 3.5" magnum without adjustment—eliminates gas system tuning
- Includes five MaraPro choke tubes ($150 value) covering Cylinder through Full constrictions
- Airy Pad System reduces felt recoil by approximately 18% versus standard pads
- Adjustable stock shims modify length of pull by ±0.25" for personalized fit
Trade-offs
- Proprietary choke system requires RETAY-specific tubes—no compatibility with common Beretta/Benelli patterns
- No magazine tube extensions available due to inertia system design—3+1 capacity is fixed
- Ships in basic cardboard with foam instead of hard case—adds $50-100 for proper field protection
- Fiber optic bead is serviceable but not tritium—limited low-light capability without upgrade
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 193212029768 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | ACEBLK-26 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 39.3000 |
| package height | 2.6 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Reversible Button |
| shipping weight | 10.65 |
| sights | TruGlo Fiber Optic Front bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with aftermarket magazine extensions?
- No, the RETAY ACE Extra's magazine tube is not threaded for extensions due to its inertia piston system design. The factory 3+1 capacity is fixed, though some specialized gunsmiths can modify the system for approximately $200 in labor and parts. For higher capacity semi-autos, consider the Beretta A400 Xtreme which offers factory 7+1 configurations.
- Is it compatible with Benelli Supernova chokes?
- No, the RETAY uses proprietary MaraPro choke tubes with a different thread pattern than Benelli/Beretta Mobilchokes. The included five-choke set covers all standard constrictions, but replacement tubes must be RETAY-specific and average $35-45 each. This is a notable consideration for shooters who already own extensive choke collections for other brands.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms within 3 business days via FedEx 2Day to your selected FFL. Total transit time averages 5-7 business days from order to FFL arrival, depending on your location relative to our Montana facility. You'll receive tracking information and FFL coordination details within 24 hours of shipment.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory provides a 30-day inspection period and RETAY backs the shotgun with a 5-year manufacturer warranty against defects. Mechanical issues within the first year are handled through our facility with typical 10-14 day turnaround for repairs. After the first year, RETAY USA handles warranty claims directly through their Florida service center.
- Does it fit standard 12-gauge sling mounts?
- Yes, the synthetic stock includes QD cup sockets at the rear, and the magazine tube cap is threaded for standard 1.25-inch sling swivels. The factory includes basic nylon sling hardware, but any aftermarket two-point sling system designed for shotguns will mount without modification to the stock or forend.