RETAY ACE-R Mossy Oak Bottomland 12 Gauge 26in Semi-Auto
About this product
The RETAY ACE-R Mossy Oak Bottomland 12 Gauge 26in Semi-Auto is a field-ready 12-gauge shotgun built on an inertia piston system for reliable cycling in wet conditions. This is not a competition clays gun or a tactical breacher. The ACE-R's entire design focus is delivering a 3.5" chamber in a package for waterfowl hunters who put their gear through mud, water, and freezing temperatures.
What is the RETAY ACE-R Mossy Oak Bottomland used for?
This shotgun is engineered for waterfowl and upland hunting in adverse conditions. The inertia piston system is simpler, with fewer gas ports to foul with freezing water and mud, compared to more complex gas-operated systems. Its 26-inch barrel provides a smooth swing for pass shooting on ducks and a manageable 48-inch overall length for navigating dense cover. The Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage is a specific pattern for marsh and timber environments, making this a purpose-built tool for the blind or the field.
How does the RETAY ACE-R compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The ACE-R is better for volume shooting and harsh conditions, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U is better for disciplined clay or game shooting. A 26-inch semi-auto like the ACE-R allows for a faster third and fourth shot on flushing waterfowl, with a 3+1 capacity totaling four shells ready for action. The over-under Stevens forces more deliberate, accurate shooting with its two-shot capacity and different recoil impulse, making it superior for a shooter focusing on fundamentals but worse for follow-up shots in a flock.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The ACE-R weighs 10.45 pounds, which is 1.6 pounds heavier than a standard hunting rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, distributing recoil energy over a larger mass. Its overall length is precisely 48 inches, with a 26-inch barrel and a 14.5-inch length of pull. That length of pull, which translates to a measurement from the trigger to the center of the butt pad, is standard for an average adult male; the included shim kit allows adjustment up to approximately +/- 0.25 inches for a more custom fit.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for a new shooter looking for their first, do-everything firearm or for a competitive clay shooter. The inertia system, while reliable in the field, is more sensitive to shooter stance and grip pressure than a gas-operated semi-auto; a lax hold can cause a failure to cycle with light target loads. Furthermore, its fixed cylinder or improved cylinder choke (depending on factory setup) and single bead sight lack the precision-adjustable rib and interchangeable choke systems of dedicated sporting models, making it a poor choice for formal Skeet or Trap.
What's in the box?
You receive the assembled shotgun, one standard choke tube pre-installed (likely a Modified or Improved Cylinder), and a shim kit containing two to four plastic wedges for adjusting the stock pitch. Expect a minimal owner's manual focusing on basic disassembly for cleaning and a cardboard or polymer choke tube wrench. Most importantly, there are no magazine plugs included to maintain the 2-shell federal migratory bird limit; sourcing a plug is the purchaser's legal responsibility before hunting ducks or geese.
Is the RETAY ACE-R worth it at $1079?
Yes, at $1079 it is worth the investment for a dedicated waterfowl hunter who needs a 3.5"-chambered semi-auto that reliably cycles heavy steel and tungsten loads. The price point undercuts comparable inertia-driven shotguns from Beretta (A400 Xtreme) by several hundred dollars while offering the same core function. You are paying for mechanical reliability and the specialized camo finish—if you hunt ducks four weekends a season, this tool justifies its cost. If you shoot three boxes of target loads a year, the value proposition collapses.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 10.45 lb — mass helps soak up recoil from 3.5" magnum waterfowl loads
- Inertia piston system — only 5 main moving parts, zero gas ports to foul with freezing mud
- Includes shim kit — allows user to adjust stock pitch in under 5 minutes for better fit
- 26-inch barrel — provides a balanced swing plane for pass shooting without being unwieldy in a blind
Trade-offs
- Proprietary choke system — locks you into RETAY's ecosystem instead of industry-standard Mobilchokes, adding $30-$50 per additional tube
- Sensitive to hold — the inertia system can fail to cycle with light 1-ounce target loads if the shooter does not maintain a firm shoulder weld
- No included magazine plug — a federally required $2 part for waterfowl hunting is an extra step and purchase for the buyer
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 193212045317 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | RACEMBL-26 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| package height | 2.05 |
| package width | 9.55 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Reversible Button |
| shipping weight | 10.452 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with standard Beretta/Benelli Mobilchoke tubes?
- No, it does not. The RETAY ACE-R uses its own proprietary choke tube system. You must purchase RETAY-branded chokes, which are available in constrictions from Improved Cylinder to Full. Attempting to install a Beretta Mobilchoke tube can result in improper seating and a dangerous barrel obstruction.
- How many shells does it hold legally for waterfowl hunting?
- The tube magazine's mechanical capacity is three 3.5" shells, for a total of 4 rounds with one in the chamber. U.S. federal law requires it to be plugged to a maximum capacity of three total shells (two in the magazine, one in the chamber) for migratory bird hunting. The required plug is not included and must be installed by the user, a simple 30-second task with a dowel rod.
- Is the Mossy Oak Bottomland camo applied over the metal?
- Yes. The Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern is a hydro-dip finish applied directly over the anodized aluminum receiver and the steel barrel. This provides corrosion resistance and camo, but it's a thin layer. Deep scratches will expose bare metal requiring touch-up paint from a brand like Cerakote to prevent rust in high-moisture environments.
- Can you adjust the length of pull?
- You can adjust the stock pitch, not the overall length. The included shim kit allows you to change the vertical angle of the stock relative to the receiver for a better cheek weld, which can affect perceived fit. To physically shorten the 14.5-inch length of pull, you would need permanent modification (cutting the stock) or replacement with a third-party stock, voiding the warranty.