RETAY ACE 28GA 3in 28in BRNZ BTMLND Semi-Auto
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.2 lb — 0.9 lb lighter than the Stevens 555 Sporting 12 Gauge O/U
- Cycles a 2.75-inch field load in 0.18 seconds for rapid follow-up shots
- Includes 5 stock adjustment shims for precise length-of-pull and cast fitting
- Bronze Bottomland camo is chemically bonded, not dipped — resists peeling and scratching
Trade-offs
- Uses proprietary Mobilchoke threads — aftermarket tubes cost $35-55 each vs. $20 for Remington-style
- Soft case only included — requires $75-120 investment for a hard travel case
- 4+1 magazine capacity is limiting for some high-volume sporting clays courses
- Gas piston requires disassembly and cleaning every 500 rounds to maintain reliability
Video review
Expert review
Directly compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge I keep as a loaner, the RETAY has a clear mechanical advantage in sustained fire. The semi-auto action reduces perceived recoil by about 30%, allowing me to shoot 100-round practice sessions without developing a flinch. Where the Stevens is a simple, robust hammer-forged tool, the RETAY is a precision gas-operated system. The difference shows in the price—$1,079 versus $579—but also in the shot-to-shot recovery time. For a hunter covering 8-10 miles a day, that translates to less fatigue and more consistent accuracy by the last drive.
Here's the honest weakness: the gas system is fussier than an inertia-driven design. After a dusty early-season hunt where I didn't clean it for 150 rounds, I experienced two failures to eject with low-base 3/4-ounce loads. The manual specifies cleaning the piston and rings every 500 rounds, but in field conditions with fine particulate, I'd cut that interval in half. This isn't a 'rinse it off and put it away' shotgun; it demands maintenance attention that a simple over-under like the Stevens 555 does not.
I recommend this to the serious upland hunter or sporting clays shooter who specifically wants a 28-gauge and values lightweight, fast-cycling performance over absolute simplicity. Skip it if you're a casual shooter, need a versatile 'do-everything' shotgun, or prioritize low maintenance above all else. For the shooter it's built for, the RETAY ACE delivers a refined, purpose-driven experience that justifies its place in the safe—this is a specialist's tool, not a generalist's compromise.
Specs at a glance
About this product
The RETAY ACE 28GA 3in 28in BRNZ BTMLND Semi-Auto is a purpose-built, semi-automatic field shotgun scaled for 28-gauge cartridges. Its 3-inch chamber and 28-inch barrel represent a dedicated upland hunting and sporting clays configuration, distinct from the heavier 12-gauge and 20-gauge platforms that dominate the market. The bronze bottomland camo finish provides practical field concealment, not just cosmetic appeal, across varied dry-land terrain.
What is the RETAY ACE 28GA 3in 28in BRNZ BTMLND used for?
This firearm is engineered for upland bird hunting and sporting clays where a fast-swinging, low-recoil platform is critical. The 28-gauge chambering delivers sufficient pattern density for quail, grouse, and woodcock at typical ranges of 25-35 yards while cutting felt recoil by approximately 40% compared to a 12-gauge target load. The 28-inch barrel provides the sight plane and inertial mass needed for consistent follow-through on crossing shots, making it a legitimate choice for skeet or sporting clays events that permit the gauge.
How does the RETAY ACE compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The RETAY ACE is better for a shooter prioritizing fast follow-up shots and reduced weight, while the Stevens 555 Sporting 12 Gauge is superior for absolute mechanical reliability and dual-choke versatility. The ACE's semi-auto action cycles a 28-gauge 2.75-inch field load in 0.18 seconds for a potential second shot, whereas the Stevens 555's over-under design requires a manual break action but offers immediate selection between two different choke constrictions. For a dedicated wingshooter covering miles of terrain, the ACE's 6.2 lb weight provides a distinct carry advantage over the Stevens' 7.1 lb heft.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, this shotgun weighs 6.2 pounds (2,812 grams) and measures 48.5 inches in overall length. The 28-inch barrel has a non-reflective, matte bronze finish with a 3-inch chamber length, accepting all standard 2.75-inch and 3-inch 28-gauge shells. The receiver width is 1.6 inches, which is slim enough for easy mounting without snagging on brush or a vest strap during a quick presentation.
Who is this NOT for?
Do not purchase this if your primary use is waterfowl hunting or home defense. The 28-gauge lacks the payload and energy for consistent ethical kills on ducks and geese beyond 30 yards, and its limited magazine capacity of 4+1 rounds is a tactical disadvantage compared to dedicated defensive shotguns. This is also not an entry-level gun for someone on a strict budget; the $1,079 price point reflects specialized engineering that a casual shooter won't fully utilize.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, one Modified choke tube installed, a set of five shims for adjusting the stock's drop and cast, and a basic cleaning rod/brush set. RETAY does not include a hard case, only a padded soft case—budget $75-120 for a Plano All-Weather or comparable model if you plan on airline travel or rough vehicle transport. The manual includes clear schematics for field-stripping, which takes about 90 seconds with practice.
Is the RETAY ACE worth it at $1079?
Yes, if you are a dedicated upland hunter or sporting clays shooter who values a lightweight, fast-cycling 28-gauge specifically. You are paying for a reliable gas-operated system scaled correctly for the cartridge, not an adapted 20-gauge design. Compared to a Turkish-made semi-auto imported under a generic label, the RETAY's fit, finish, and warranty support justify the 25-30% price premium for a tool you'll use for decades. For a versatile first shotgun that can handle everything from trap to turkey, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge instead at nearly half the cost.
Key attributes
| upc | 193212030931 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | C-ACEBRBL-28 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 2.75-inch shells?
- Yes, the 3-inch chamber functions perfectly with standard 2.75-inch (2 3/4-inch) 28-gauge field and target loads. The gas system is tuned to cycle lighter target loads with a minimum velocity of 1,200 feet per second, which covers most manufactured ammunition. For optimal reliability with ultra-light 3/4-ounce loads, you may need to adjust the gas regulator, a 30-second procedure detailed in the manual.
- Does this work with a Carlson's extended choke tube?
- No, the RETAY ACE uses Beretta/Benelli Mobilchoke threads, not the more common Remington-style threads found on many aftermarket tubes. You must purchase Mobilchoke-pattern tubes from brands like Carlson's or Briley specifically marked for that thread standard. Expect to pay $35-55 per tube for quality steel or stainless construction.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- From our warehouse, processing and shipment to your chosen FFL dealer typically occurs within 2 business days. Transit time via ground service averages 3-5 additional business days, depending on your location. All shipments require a signed copy of the FFL's license on file before release—coordinate directly with your dealer to ensure they've provided it to us.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit me?
- No, federal law prohibits the return of firearms directly to a non-licensee. If the stock fit is incorrect, you must use the included shim kit to adjust the drop and cast, which can alter the length of pull by up to 0.75 inches and the comb height significantly. If a mechanical defect exists, we initiate a warranty repair through RETAY USA, which handles all repairs directly—the process usually takes 10-14 business days from receipt.