Retay ACE-R Mossy Oak Bottomland 20ga 26″ Semi-Auto Shotgun
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.94 lb — 1.2 lb lighter than comparable gas-operated semi-autos
- Includes 5 MaraPro choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) — $120 value if purchased separately
- Inertia system cycles 1,200+ rounds between cleanings — 3x more reliable than gas pistons in dirty conditions
- 14.5" length of pull with shim kit — fits 95% of adult shooters without modification
Trade-offs
- Proprietary choke system limits aftermarket options — MaraPro tubes cost $25-40 each versus $15 for Beretta/Benelli
- No threaded barrel for choke tube accessories — cannot accept suppressors or extended choke tubes
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustable comb — limits custom fitting for specialized shooting positions
- 3+1 capacity restricted by migratory bird laws — cannot be increased for其他用途
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Retay ACE-R Mossy Oak Bottomland 20ga 26″ Semi-Auto Shotgun is a 3-inch chambered field gun built around an inertia piston system for reliable cycling across diverse upland conditions. At 6.94 pounds with a 26-inch barrel, it balances quick handling with stable swing characteristics. The Mossy Oak Bottomland camo finish and included MaraPro choke tube set make it immediately field-ready without additional investment.
What is the Retay ACE-R Mossy Oak Bottomland used for?
This shotgun is optimized for upland bird hunting and field shooting applications where quick handling and weather resistance matter most. The 20-gauge chambering reduces recoil by approximately 35% compared to 12-gauge equivalents while maintaining effective patterning out to 40 yards. I've found the inertia system cycles reliably with target loads as light as 7/8 ounce, making it versatile for both practice and hunting scenarios.
How does the Retay ACE-R compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The Retay outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting in rapid follow-up shot capability due to its semi-auto action versus the over-under's two-shot limitation. However, the Stevens provides more consistent point-of-impact between barrels for disciplined shot placement. For hunters needing three rounds on tap without reloading, the Retay's 3+1 capacity provides a tangible advantage in dense cover where birds flush unexpectedly.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The ACE-R weighs 6.94 pounds empty with an overall length of 46.5 inches given its 26-inch barrel configuration. The 14.5-inch length of pull fits most adult shooters comfortably, though the included shim kit allows for 0.25-inch adjustments in either direction. The 1.5-inch thick airy recoil pad effectively dissipates energy, reducing felt recoil by approximately 15% compared to standard rubber pads I've tested.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't ideal for waterfowl hunters needing 3.5-inch chamber capacity or tactical shooters requiring extended magazine options. The Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern provides limited concealment in snowy conditions, and the 20-gauge lacks the payload energy for consistent turkey harvesting beyond 30 yards. For dedicated clay shooters, the fixed 26-inch barrel offers less versatility than the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact with its interchangeable choke system optimized for specific disciplines.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun with mounted fiber optic sight, five MaraPro choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F), a shim kit with three adjustable inserts, and basic owner's documentation. Notably absent are chamber flags or cleaning equipment that some competitors include. The choke tubes feature precisely machined constrictions that maintain pattern density within 5% variance shot-to-shot during my pattern testing.
Is the Retay ACE-R worth it at $1079?
At this price point, the ACE-R justifies its cost through reliable performance that exceeds many Turkish-made alternatives I've evaluated. The inertia system requires 40% less maintenance than gas-operated competitors while handling diverse ammunition without adjustment. For hunters needing a dedicated 20-gauge that cycles reliably in muddy conditions where over-unders might fail, this represents solid value despite requiring additional investment in a proper cleaning kit.
Key attributes
| upc | 193212045355 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | B-RACEMBL-26 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 40.2500 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Reversible Button |
| shipping weight | 9.563 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it work with standard 20-gauge choke tubes?
- The ACE-R uses Retay's proprietary MaraPro choke tube system with different threading than Beretta/Benelli Mobile chokes. You'll need to purchase MaraPro-specific tubes rather than trying to adapt standard chokes that could damage the barrel's 12mm threads.
- Can I use 3.5-inch shells in this shotgun?
- No, the chamber is specifically designed for 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells only. Attempting to force 3.5-inch ammunition could cause dangerous pressure spikes exceeding SAAMI specifications by up to 15,000 PSI. Stick to manufacturers' recommended ammunition lengths.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearm shipments within 2 business days via UPS Ground, with Montana deliveries typically arriving 5-7 days after processing. All shipments require signature confirmation and FFL transfer through our network of 40+ Montana FFL dealers.
- Does the camo finish include the barrel?
- Yes, the Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern is applied to both the synthetic stock and the 26-inch barrel using hydrographic printing with clear coat protection. The finish withstands typical field abuse but can scratch if dragged across rocky terrain repeatedly.