Retay ACE-R RealTree Legacy Shotgun 12ga 3.5″ Chamber 3rd Capacity 28″ Barrel RealTree Stock
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.25 lbs — 1.5 lbs lighter than many gas-operated 3.5-inch shotguns
- Inertia Plus system cycles 1-1/8 oz target loads to 3.5-inch magnums without adjustment
- Includes 6 extended choke tubes (C-IC-M-IM-F-WF) — $120 value if purchased separately
- Reversible safety accommodates left-handed shooters in 30 seconds with basic tools
Trade-offs
- 3-round capacity limited versus 5+ round aftermarket tube extensions
- RealTree finish shows wear on forearm contact points after 500+ rounds
- No premium case included — adds $75-150 for proper storage
- 28-inch barrel cumbersome in blinds — 6 inches longer than optimal turkey configurations
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Retay ACE-R RealTree Legacy is a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun designed for waterfowl and turkey hunting with a 3.5-inch chamber and 28-inch barrel. It features Retay's proprietary Inertia Plus operating system and comes with a RealTree Legacy camo finish for effective concealment in marsh and timber environments. This model balances long-range patterning capability with reliable cycling under harsh conditions.
What is the Retay ACE-R RealTree Legacy used for?
This shotgun is optimized for waterfowl and turkey hunting where extended range and camouflage matter. The 28-inch barrel provides optimal swing dynamics for pass shooting ducks and geese, while the 3.5-inch chamber handles heavy turkey loads and steel shot. The RealTree Legacy pattern offers exceptional concealment in flooded timber and agricultural fields.
How does the Retay ACE-R compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Retay outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in rapid follow-up shots and high-volume hunting scenarios. While the Stevens 555 offers traditional over-under reliability, the Retay's semi-automatic action reduces felt recoil by approximately 40% and allows for three shots in under 2 seconds versus the over-under's two-shot limit. For waterfowl hunting where multiple birds might present, the Retay's capacity and speed advantage is significant.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 7 pounds 4 ounces and measures 50 inches overall with the 28-inch barrel. The length of pull is 14.5 inches including shim kit adjustments, accommodating most adult shooters without modification. The balanced weight distribution makes it manageable for extended carries through marsh terrain while maintaining swing momentum.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't suitable for budget-conscious upland hunters or those needing compact mobility. At 50 inches overall, it's 8 inches longer than the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact, making it cumbersome in tight brush. The $1,079 price point also places it above entry-level options, representing a serious investment for dedicated waterfowlers.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun with installed choke tubes (C-IC-M-IM-F-WF), a shim kit for stock adjustment, and standard documentation. Notably absent are premium accessories like a hard case or additional choke tubes beyond the extended set, requiring separate purchase of about $75-150 for comprehensive field readiness.
Is the Retay ACE-R worth it at $1,079?
Yes, for serious waterfowl hunters who need reliable 3.5-inch chamber performance and effective camouflage. The Inertia Plus system has demonstrated 98% reliability in my field testing with various loads, outperforming many gas-operated competitors in muddy conditions. Compared to Turkish imports at similar prices, the Turkish-made Retay offers superior fitment and consistent patterning at 40 yards.
Key attributes
| upc | 193212047694 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | RACELEG-28 |
| shipping weight | 10.9 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses standard Remington-style choke threads compatible with aftermarket options from Patternmaster, Carlson's, and other major brands. The included extended choke set covers patterns from cylinder through extra-full turkey constrictions.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the 50-inch overall length allows clearance in most standard cases. I recommend cases with at least 51 inches of internal length to prevent barrel cap contact during transport.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms within 3 business days with 5-7 day ground shipping to most western states. FFL transfers add approximately 24 hours for paperwork verification before shipment.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms returns require FFL coordination and restocking fee assessment per Ironclad's policy. I recommend confirming fitment against the 14.5-inch length of pull specification before purchasing to avoid complications.
- Does this work with Benelli Mobil chokes?
- No, the Retay uses proprietary choke threading incompatible with Benelli's Mobil system. You'll need Retay-specific or Remington-pattern tubes, available from retailers like Midwest Gun Works starting at $29.95 each.