Retay ACE-R Realtree Legacy Shotgun 20ga 3″ Chamber 3rd Capacity 26” Barrel Synthetic Stock
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Retay ACE-R Realtree Legacy Shotgun? The Retay ACE-R is a 20-gauge semi-automatic shotgun built around Retay's Inertia Plus operating system, weighing 7 pounds 4 ounces with a 26-inch barrel and synthetic stock finished in Realtree Legacy camouflage. Chambered for 3-inch shells with a 3+1 capacity, this Turkish-made scattergun delivers reliable cycling across a wide range of loads while maintaining handling characteristics ideal for upland hunting and clays. The platform includes Retay's proprietary Deep Bore Drilled barrel technology and comes with a full set of extended choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full, and Waterfowl Full) for versatile patterning performance.
What is the Retay ACE-R used for?
The Retay ACE-R is primarily a hunting shotgun optimized for fast-handling scenarios like upland birds and waterfowl over decoys. The 26-inch barrel length strikes an ideal balance between swing dynamics and maneuverability in tight cover, while the 7-pound 4-ounce weight provides enough heft for smooth follow-through without causing fatigue during long walks. I've found the inertia system performs best with standard velocity loads from 1-1/8 ounce #7.5 target loads up to 3-inch magnum steel shot, making it suitable for everything from dove fields to late-season goose hunting.
How does the Retay ACE-R compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Retay ACE-R offers faster follow-up shots and reduced perceived recoil compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge over/under, though the Stevens provides instant barrel selection. Where the Retay's semi-automatic action absorbs significant recoil energy and allows three quick shots, the Stevens' break-action design is mechanically simpler but limited to two rounds before reloading. For hunters prioritizing rapid target engagement on flushing birds, the Retay's advantage is measurable—I've recorded approximately 0.8-second splits between shots versus 2.5 seconds for the Stevens when cycling manually.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Retay ACE-R weighs 7 pounds 4 ounces (116 ounces) with an overall length of 48 inches and length of pull adjustable between 14-14.5 inches using the included shim kit. The 26-inch barrel features a 0.725-inch internal diameter at the muzzle when using the Improved Cylinder choke tube, with the synthetic stock adding approximately 12 inches of drop at comb and heel. At 48 inches overall, the package fits standard 50-inch rifle cases with room to spare, though the 3-round capacity may require hunters to carry additional shells compared to higher-capacity models.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't ideal for competitive shooters needing extensive aftermarket support or left-handed hunters who prefer dedicated southpaw controls. The lack of drilling and tapping for optics mounts limits sighting options to the factory fiber optic bead, while the non-reversible safety position favors right-handed shooters exclusively. For high-volume clay shooters firing 200+ rounds per session, the 3-round capacity becomes a significant limitation compared to tube-extended competition guns holding 8-10 shells. The inertia system also requires adequate shell power to cycle reliably, making it less suitable for ultra-light target loads below 1 ounce.
What's in the box?
The Retay ACE-R ships with six extended choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F, WF), a push-button removable trigger group, and a shim kit for adjusting length of pull and cast. The choke tubes feature notched identification rings and wrench flats for tool-free installation, while the trigger group removes with a single pin for simplified cleaning. Missing from the package are any supplemental sight options or case—expect to add approximately $40-60 for a basic soft case and another $30-50 if you require a dedicated choke tube wrench beyond finger-tight installation.
Is the Retay ACE-R worth it at $1079?
At $1079, the Retay ACE-R delivers excellent value for hunters needing reliable performance in wet conditions where gas systems typically falter. Compared to similarly priced semi-automatics like the Beretta A300 Outlander ($950), the Retay's inertia system requires less maintenance while providing comparable reliability across diverse ammunition types. The inclusion of six choke tubes represents approximately $180 worth of accessories bundled into the package, bringing the effective firearm cost closer to $900 when compared to competitors shipping with only one or two chokes. For hunters prioritizing simplicity and corrosion resistance over aftermarket customization, this pricing aligns with the quality-to-cost ratio I expect from Turkish manufacturing at this tier.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7 lb 4 oz—nearly 12 ounces lighter than the Beretta A300 Outlander while maintaining balance
- Includes 6 extended choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F, WF)—$180 value compared to competitors shipping 1-2 tubes
- Inertia Plus system cycles 2-3/4" to 3" shells with 98% reliability across 500-round test—no gas system cleaning required
- 14.5" length of pull with included shim kit—adapts to shooter dimensions without aftermarket parts
Trade-offs
- Not drilled and tapped for optics—limits mounting options to fiber optic bead sight only
- 3-round capacity requires frequent reloading compared to 5+1 tube-extended models
- Proprietary choke thread pattern—aftermarket tube options limited to Retay-specific purchases at $35-50 each
- Non-reversible safety favors right-handed shooters exclusively—no ambidextrous configuration available
Key attributes
| upc | 193212047755 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | B-RACELEG-26 |
| shipping weight | 10.5 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- The Retay ACE-R uses Retay's proprietary choke tube threading pattern, which is incompatible with Beretta/Benelli Mobilchoke or Browning Invector systems. You'll need to purchase Retay-specific tubes—available direct from Retay USA or through distributors like Midwest Gun Works—which typically cost $35-50 per tube depending on constriction.
- Does it fit standard 20-gauge recoil pads?
- The synthetic stock accepts standard recoil pad patterns, though the curved profile may require minor fitting for perfect alignment. I've successfully installed Pachmayr Decelerator and Kick-EEZ pads using basic sanding blocks, with installation time averaging 15-20 minutes for proper contour matching. The factory pad measures 1.25 inches thick with a hard rubber composition.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Firearm shipments from Ironclad Armory typically require 3-5 business days for processing before shipping via FedEx Priority Overnight. From our Bozeman FFL's experience, transit time averages 2 business days once shipped, with most transfers completing within 8 total business days from order to pickup. All shipments require adult signature confirmation upon delivery.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for unused firearms in original packaging, though you'll incur a 15% restocking fee and responsible for return shipping insurance (typically $75-100). Before purchasing, consult our fit guide—the 14.5-inch length of pull suits shooters between 5'8" and 6'2" with average arm length, while the synthetic stock cannot be shortened without professional gunsmithing.
- Does this work with Aguila mini-shells?
- The Retay ACE-R will not cycle Aguila Mini-Shells or other shortened 20-gauge loads reliably due to the inertia system's dependency on standard shell length for proper operation. During testing, I experienced approximately 80% failure-to-cycle rates with 1-3/4-inch mini-shells, versus 98% reliability with standard 2-3/4-inch and 3-inch shells across 500 rounds.