Retay USA ACE-R 20 Gauge 28″ Semi-Auto Shotgun
Pros & cons
What works
- Inertia piston system cycles 7/8-ounce to 3-inch shells reliably without adjustment
- Airy Pad reduces felt recoil by 30% compared to standard recoil pads
- Weighs 6.2 pounds — 1.3 pounds lighter than comparable gas-operated shotguns
- Shim kit provides 4 different stock configurations without aftermarket parts
Trade-offs
- 28-inch barrel makes it unsuitable for tactical or home defense applications
- 3+1 capacity limits rapid engagement compared to extended magazine tubes
- Synthetic stock lacks the aesthetic appeal of walnut or other wood options
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Retay USA ACE-R 20 Gauge 28” Semi-Auto Shotgun? It's a full-size 20 gauge shotgun built specifically for field use and sporting applications. The ACE-R employs an inertia piston system designed for reliable cycling across various loads, paired with a 28-inch vent-rib barrel and synthetic stock featuring an adjustable shim kit. This combination delivers a balanced platform that handles both light target loads and 3-inch magnums without the gas system complexity that plagues many competitors.
What is the Retay USA ACE-R 20 Gauge used for?
This shotgun excels at upland bird hunting, trap shooting, and general field applications where a lightweight, reliable 20 gauge is preferred. The 28-inch barrel provides excellent swing characteristics for moving targets, while the 3-inch chamber handles everything from 7/8-ounce target loads to heavy waterfowl shells. Compared to our Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, the ACE-R offers faster follow-up shots but lacks the traditional aesthetics of a walnut-over-under.
How does the Retay ACE-R compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting?
The ACE-R outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting in rapid-fire scenarios due to its semi-automatic action versus the over-under's manual operation. Where the Stevens requires manual ejection and reloading after two shots, the ACE-R cycles automatically with a 3+1 capacity. However, the Stevens 555 offers superior pattern consistency and traditional craftsmanship that appeals to purists who don't mind the slower rate of fire.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The ACE-R weighs 6.2 pounds with an empty magazine and measures 48.5 inches overall length. The 28-inch barrel features a lengthened forcing cone that reduces felt recoil by approximately 15% compared to standard chambers. The length of pull adjusts from 14 to 14.75 inches using the included shim kit, accommodating most adult shooters without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't suitable for tactical or home defense applications where shorter barrels and higher capacities are required. The 28-inch barrel makes maneuvering in tight spaces impractical, and the 3+1 capacity falls short of most defensive shotguns. For those applications, I'd recommend dedicated tactical platforms rather than adapting a field gun.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, three choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full), a choke tube wrench, and the adjustable shim kit. The shim kit includes four different shims that adjust drop and cast, allowing you to customize the stock fit without aftermarket parts. Everything ships in a basic cardboard box with minimal packaging.
Is the Retay ACE-R worth it at $999?
At $999, the ACE-R justifies its price through reliability and thoughtful engineering that avoids common semi-automatic issues. The inertia system runs cleaner than gas-operated shotguns, requiring less maintenance between outings. For serious hunters who value consistent performance over multiple seasons, this represents better long-term value than cheaper alternatives that may require more frequent servicing.
Key attributes
| upc | 193212029867 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | B-RACEBLK-28 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 39.2500 |
| model | Ace-R |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Reversible Button |
| shipping weight | 9.4 |
| 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 standard 20 gauge chokes?
- Yes, it uses the standard Invector-style choke system that accepts any aftermarket chokes from major manufacturers like Briley or Patternmaster. The package includes three choke tubes covering all standard hunting and clay shooting applications.
- Does it fit in a standard 50-inch gun case?
- No, the 48.5-inch overall length requires careful measurement of your case. Most standard cases accommodate it, but I recommend verifying your specific case measures at least 49 inches internally before purchase.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Shipments to Montana typically take 3-5 business days via our standard FedEx service. All firearms ship to your local FFL dealer, who must complete the required background check before transfer.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns require inspection within 30 days and a 15% restocking fee applies if the firearm shows any signs of use. We recommend handling the shotgun at your local dealer before purchase to ensure proper fit.
- Does this work with standard 20 gauge slings?
- Yes, it features standard sling swivel studs that accept any 1-inch quick-detach or traditional sling. I prefer the Grovtec Quick Detach system for field use.