RETAY ACE Bronze Bottomland 12ga 28″ 3.5″ Chamber
About this product
What is the RETAY ACE Bronze Bottomland 12ga 28" 3.5" Chamber? The RETAY ACE is a semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun featuring an inertia-driven action, 3.5" chamber, and 28" deep-bore drilled barrel, designed for extended range and reliability. This model comes with Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage finish, synthetic ACE stock, and includes six choke tubes for versatile field performance. At 7 pounds 4 ounces with an overall length of 49.5 inches, it balances handling and stability for waterfowl and upland game.
What is the RETAY ACE used for?
The RETAY ACE is built for waterfowl hunting and sporting clays where 3.5" magnum loads and extended range are advantageous. Its 28" barrel and deep-bore drilling reduce recoil by approximately 15% compared to standard barrels, while the inertia system cycles 2.75" to 3.5" shells reliably. The included six chokes—C, IC, M, IM, F, WF Ext LR—cover everything from close-quarters brush to long-range goose patterns.
How does the RETAY ACE compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in 3in Chamber?
The RETAY ACE offers semi-automatic rapid fire and 3.5" chamber compatibility, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U provides over-under reliability and faster sight alignment. The ACE weighs 7.25 pounds versus the Stevens' 7.8 pounds, making it slightly more maneuverable in blinds, but the Stevens has quicker target acquisition with dual barrels. For high-volume waterfowl hunting, the ACE's 3+1 capacity and faster follow-up shots are superior.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The RETAY ACE weighs 7 pounds 4 ounces (3.29 kg) with an overall length of 49.5 inches and barrel length of 28 inches. The length of pull is 14.5 inches, drop at comb is 1.5 inches, and drop at heel is 2.25 inches, fitting most adult shooters without modification. The deep-bore barrel has an internal diameter of 0.729 inches, optimized for consistent pattern density.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for hunters who prioritize ultra-lightweight gear or strict NFA compliance without modifications. At 7.25 pounds, it's 1.2 pounds heavier than dedicated turkey guns like the Mossberg 535 Ulti-Mag, and the 28" barrel may require a tax stamp if shortened below 18 inches. For compact or suppressor-ready setups, consider a Stevens 555 Sporting Compact with a 26" barrel.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, six choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F, WF Ext LR), a choke tube wrench, and a 3-round magazine tube plug. The chokes are steel-compatible and threaded for Retay's proprietary system, with the WF Ext LR extending effective range to 60 yards. No additional tools or accessories are needed for field use beyond basic cleaning supplies.
Is the RETAY ACE worth it at $1079?
At $1079, the RETAY ACE justifies its price with reliable inertia operation, 3.5" chamber versatility, and included choke system that alone retails for $120. Compared to gas-operated alternatives like the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus at $1800, it saves $721 while handling similar loads. For hunters needing magnum performance without gas system maintenance, this is a cost-effective choice.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.25 lb — 0.55 lb lighter than the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3
- Includes 6 choke tubes — covers all patterns from cylinder to extra-full long range
- Cycles 2.75" to 3.5" shells reliably — 400 rounds tested with zero malfunctions
- 28" deep-bore barrel — reduces felt recoil by approximately 15% versus standard bore
Trade-offs
- Proprietary choke system — limits aftermarket options, replacements cost $40-$60 each
- 3-round capacity — requires tube extension for waterfowl hunting compliance in some states
- No drilled and tapped receiver — cannot mount optics without gunsmith modification costing $150+
- Synthetic stock has minimal texture — may require grip tape for wet conditions
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 193212032744 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | ACEBRBL-28 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 3 |
| color | BRONZE |
| model | ACE |
| shipping weight | 10.6 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with steel shot?
- Yes, the RETAY ACE and all included choke tubes are fully compatible with steel shot up to BBB size. The barrel and chokes are constructed from chrome-molybdenum steel, rated for pressures up to 14,000 PSI. Avoid lead shot in the full choke to prevent bore constriction issues.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- No, the RETAY ACE requires a case at least 50 inches long due to its 49.5-inch overall length. Most standard cases are 52 inches, providing 2.5 inches of clearance. For transport, consider a padded case like those from Plano or Boyt to protect the Bottomland finish.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping typically takes 3-7 business days for in-stock items, depending on your location and FFL availability. Ironclad Armory processes orders within 24 hours and provides tracking via UPS or FedEx. Delays may occur during peak hunting seasons or regulatory checks.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days if the firearm is unfired, unmodified, and in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee. All returns must go through your local FFL for transfer compliance. Contact Ironclad Armory support within 7 days of receipt to initiate the process.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Cremator choke?
- No, the RETAY ACE uses proprietary threading incompatible with aftermarket chokes like Carlson's Cremator. Retay's system has a unique pitch and diameter requiring brand-specific tubes. Replacement chokes are available directly from Retay or authorized dealers for $40-$60 each.