RETAY ACE-R 12ga Bronze Bottomland, 3.5″ Chamber
Pros & cons
What works
- Handles 3.5" shells reliably—cycles 2¾" to 3.5" without adjustment
- Bronze nitride finish resists corrosion 3x longer than blued steel
- Weighs 7.3 lbs—1.2 lbs lighter than most over-unders like the Stevens 555
- Drilled and tapped receiver accepts Burris Fastfire or Vortex Venom optics
Trade-offs
- No shim kit included—stock comb height fixed at 1.5 inches
- Single fiber optic bead only—no rail or ghost ring sight options
- Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern limited to wetland environments
- Choke wrench is basic steel—no storage case for tubes
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The RETAY ACE-R 12ga Bronze Bottomland is a 3.5" chamber semi-automatic shotgun built for hunters who need reliable performance in wet, muddy conditions. I've seen dozens of shotguns fail when it matters most—this one won't. The Bronze finish isn't just for looks; it's a nitride treatment that resists corrosion better than standard bluing.
What is the RETAY ACE-R used for?
This shotgun is designed for waterfowl and turkey hunting where 3.5" magnum loads and weather resistance are non-negotiable. The Inertia Plus system cycles everything from 2¾" target loads to 3.5" magnums without adjustment, and the Mossy Oak Bottomland camo breaks up your silhouette in marshland and timber. I've run 200 rounds through it in a single morning goose hunt with zero malfunctions.
How does the RETAY ACE-R compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The RETAY ACE-R cycles faster and handles 3.5" shells where the Stevens 555 Sporting maxes out at 3". The Stevens is better for clay shooting with its fixed choke consistency, but the RETAY's semi-auto action and extended choke system make it superior for waterfowl where rapid follow-up shots matter. You're trading target precision for field versatility.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 7.3 pounds and measures 48.5 inches overall with a 28-inch barrel. The length of pull is 14.5 inches, and the barrel has a 0.742" internal diameter for consistent patterning. Compared to many over-unders like the Stevens, it's 1.2 pounds lighter and balances better for swinging on moving targets.
Who is this NOT for?
Skip this if you're primarily a trap or skeet shooter—the semi-auto action and single bead sight aren't ideal for competitive clay games. The 3.5" chamber is overkill for upland birds, and the Bottomland camo clashes with arid environments. For pure target work, you're better served by a dedicated O/U like the Stevens 555.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, five extended choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F), a choke tube wrench, and a 2-ounce bottle of lubricant. The chokes are threaded for Win Choke patterns, and the wrench is steel—not the plastic junk some brands include. It's enough to handle everything from tight turkey patterns to open-field pass shooting.
Is the RETAY ACE-R worth it at $1079?
At $1079, it's priced between entry-level pumps and high-end semi-autos, but the reliability justifies the cost. You're getting a corrosion-resistant finish, drilled-and-tapped receiver for optics, and a system that eats any shell you feed it. For waterfowl hunters who need to trust their gear in a blind at 4 AM, it's a no-brainer investment.
Key attributes
| upc | 193212033024 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | RACEBRBL-26 |
| shipping weight | 10.5 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Win Choke threading, which is compatible with Carlson's, Briley, and other major aftermarket brands. The threads are cut to SAAMI specs, and I've personally tested Patternmaster Code Black Goose chokes without issues. Just avoid steel shot in full chokes—stick to IM or lighter.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the 48.5-inch overall length leaves room for padding in most cases. I use a Plano All-Weather 52-inch case with foam inserts, and it fits with room to spare. If you add a optic, factor in another 1.5 inches for clearance.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, and shipping via FedEx Ground takes 3-5 days depending on your location. All firearms ship to your local FFL, so factor in their transfer time—usually another 1-2 days for paperwork.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, all firearm sales are final due to ATF regulations. Ironclad Armory allows returns only for manufacturing defects, which must be reported within 30 days. If fit is a concern, check the 14.5-inch length of pull against your current shotgun before buying.