Retay Gordion Walnut Jet Black 12 Gauge 26in

About this product

The Retay Gordion Walnut Jet Black 12 Gauge 26in is a high-efficiency semi-automatic shotgun designed around a recoil-operated inertia action for hunters who prioritize reliability and a lightweight carry. It achieves its 6.10 lb field weight through a forged aluminum receiver and a proprietary gas-less bolt system, offering a significant advantage over heavier gas-ported competitors during long upland days. This specific configuration pairs Turkish walnut aesthetics with the mechanical simplicity valued for harsh environments where carbon fouling from a gas gun would be a liability.

What is the Retay Gordion used for?

This shotgun is engineered primarily for upland bird hunting and fast-paced sporting clays. The 26-inch vent-rib barrel and the included set of five choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full) provide the swing dynamics and pattern spread needed for a variety of small game, from pheasants to grouse. The Inertia Plus action cycles reliably with both 2 3/4" and 3" shells, offering versatility across target loads and hunting loads without manual gas system adjustments.

How does the Retay Gordion compare to a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

Compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in, the Retay Gordion is fundamentally different, trading the over-under's fixed-choke, dual-barrel simplicity for semi-automatic capacity and tunable choke versatility. The Stevens is superior for deliberate, single-target presentations in formal trap or skeet due to its fixed sighting plane and instant barrel selection, while the Retay's 4+1 capacity and faster follow-up shots are better suited for flushing birds or high-volume sporting clay courses.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Gordion has an unloaded weight of 6.10 lbs (98 oz or 2770 grams). Overall length from buttpad to muzzle is 46.5 inches, with a barrel length of 26 inches and a length of pull measuring 14.25 inches from the trigger to the center of the recoil pad. The 3-inch chamber accepts shells up to 76mm in length, and the bore diameter is the standard 12-gauge .729 inches (18.5mm).

Who is this NOT for?

You should avoid this shotgun if your primary use is dedicated, high-volume waterfowl hunting where you'll exclusively fire heavy 1 1/8 oz or larger 3" magnum loads; while it can handle them, the recoil-operated system transmits more felt recoil with these shells than a well-tuned gas-operated semi-auto. It is also not ideal for shooters seeking a purely tactical/home defense configuration, as the 26-inch barrel and lack of a magazine tube extension limit maneuverability and capacity compared to dedicated 18.5-inch defensive shotguns.

What's in the box?

The package includes the complete shotgun, a fitted ABS hard case, a full set of five MaraPro choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F), a choke tube wrench, and a user manual. The shotgun is shipped with one flush-mounted choke tube installed (typically Modified), and the hard case features pre-cut foam with dedicated slots for all accessories and the unloaded firearm, measuring 48.5 x 10.5 x 4.5 inches internally.

Is the Retay Gordion worth it at $809?

At $809, it represents a strong value for a hunter moving up from an entry-level pump-action or wanting a reliable semi-auto without the complexity and cleaning demands of a gas system. You are paying for the proven inertia action, a legitimately well-finished Grade 2 Turkish walnut stock, and a full choke set that would cost over $120 separately. For a lighter, more modern alternative to traditional gas guns like the Beretta A300, the Gordion's total package weight and included case justify the price, especially for hunters who walk more than they shoot. For a deeper dive into over-under options in a similar price bracket, our analysis of the Stevens 555 Sporting review provides a useful contrast.