Retay USA ACE 20 Gauge 28″ Realtree Max-7
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Retay USA ACE 20 Gauge 28″ Realtree Max-7 is a semi-automatic shotgun engineered for reliable field performance with a focus on recoil reduction and shooter customization. It combines Turkish manufacturing precision with features that matter when you're putting rounds downrange in variable conditions. This isn't a safe queen—it's built for actual use.
What is the Retay USA ACE 20 Gauge used for?
The ACE 20 gauge is optimized for upland hunting and sporting clays where fast target acquisition and reduced fatigue matter. Its 28-inch barrel provides traditional swing characteristics preferred by experienced wing shooters, while the inertia-driven system handles 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells without gas system fouling. I've seen it perform consistently through 250-round clay sessions without malfunction.
How does the Retay USA ACE compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The ACE outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting in rapid follow-up shots due to its semi-automatic action, though the Stevens offers more precise patterning with its fixed over-under barrels. Where the ACE shines is in high-volume scenarios—you'll get back on target 0.3 seconds faster with its recoil system, but sacrifice the Stevens' inherent reliability in extreme cold where semi-autos can struggle.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The ACE weighs 6.2 pounds unloaded—1.3 pounds lighter than most comparable gas-operated shotguns—with an overall length of 48 inches and length of pull adjustable from 14 to 14.5 inches. That weight distribution puts the balance point 12 inches forward of the receiver, giving it a forward-heavy feel that experienced shooters prefer for maintaining swing momentum. The 28-inch barrel has a ¾-inch vent rib with a 5mm fiber optic bead.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for tactical or home defense applications—its 28-inch barrel and field-focused choke system make it poorly suited for close-quarters use. If you need a compact defense weapon, look at the Stevens 334 rifle platform instead. The ACE also isn't ideal for left-handed shooters due to its right-side-only safety and ejection pattern.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun itself, five MaraPro chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F), an adjustable shim kit with three comb height options, a choke tube wrench, and a 2-ounce bottle of choke tube lubricant. The shim kit allows for ¼-inch drop and cast adjustment—enough to fit most adult shooters without aftermarket parts. Retay includes a detailed manual that actually explains how to adjust the system properly, which most manufacturers phone in.
Is the Retay USA ACE worth it at $1079?
At $1079, the ACE justifies its price through features that matter: the Airy Pad recoil system reduces felt recoil by approximately 40% compared to traditional pads, and the included choke system would cost $180 separately. You're paying for performance enhancements that actually work, not cosmetic upgrades. For comparison, the Beretta A300 Ultima at similar pricing doesn't include the choke variety or adjustable stock system.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Airy Pad reduces felt recoil by 40% compared to standard rubber pads
- Weighs 6.2 lb—1.3 lb lighter than comparable gas-operated shotguns
- Includes 5 MaraPro chokes ($180 value if purchased separately)
- Adjustable shim kit provides ¼-inch drop and cast customization
Trade-offs
- Right-side-only safety—not ambidextrous for left-handed shooters
- Proprietary choke system requires $35 per tube vs. $25 for Beretta Mobil
- 28-inch barrel unsuitable for tactical/home defense applications
- Synthetic stock has minimal texturing—adds $40 for professional stippling
Key attributes
| upc | 193212029829 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | B-ACEMX7-28 |
| 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 aftermarket choke tubes?
- The ACE uses Retay's proprietary MaraPro choke system, which isn't interchangeable with Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes. You'll need to purchase MaraPro-specific tubes directly from Retay USA or authorized dealers—they run about $35 each and come in seven constrictions beyond the included five.
- Does it fit in a standard 50-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the 48-inch overall length fits comfortably in any 50-inch hard case with 1 inch of clearance at muzzle and butt. I recommend Plano's All-Weather Case—it has 2.5 inches of internal foam and accommodates the ACE with all chokes installed.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory ships via FedEx Ground with 3-5 business day transit to most Montana addresses. Firearms require signature confirmation and must ship to an FFL—we partner with 12 Montana FFLs who typically process transfers within 24 hours of receipt.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days if the firearm is unfired and in original packaging, but you'll incur a 15% restocking fee and must pay return shipping through an FFL. I always recommend handling one at a local dealer first—fit is personal and expensive to guess wrong.