RETAY GORDION 12GA 28in Black Synthetic Shotgun
Pros & cons
What works
- Inertia Plus action cycles 1-1/8 oz target loads to 3-inch magnums without adjustment—zero gas piston cleaning.
- Chrome-lined Bohler steel barrel extends bore life to an estimated 25,000+ rounds before significant erosion.
- Includes full 5-choke set (C, F, IC, IM, M) valued at ~$90, eliminating the initial accessory purchase.
- Weighs 6.94 lbs—0.8 lbs lighter than many gas-operated 28-inch semis, reducing carry fatigue over a 6-hour hunt.
Trade-offs
- Crossbolt safety is stiff out of the box and requires 200-300 cycles to smooth—can't be easily switched for a tang safety.
- Synthetic stock has no checkering or textured grip zones—slick when wet without added tape or sleeves.
- 28-inch barrel limits maneuverability in blind setups tighter than 36 inches wide—not ideal for cramped layouts.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The RETAY GORDION 12GA 28in Black Synthetic Shotgun is a semi-automatic, inertia-driven 12-gauge shotgun built for reliable field performance under varied hunting conditions. It utilizes Retay's proprietary Inertia Plus rotating bolt system housed in an aluminum receiver, paired with a drilled Bohler steel barrel that has been chrome-lined for extended bore life. The package includes a full set of five MaraPro choke tubes and an adjustable shim system to tailor the stock fitment to the shooter's body, making it a purpose-built tool for waterfowl and upland bird hunters who prioritize a clean, mechanical action over gas-operated complexity.
What is the RETAY GORDION 12GA 28in Black Synthetic Shotgun used for?
This shotgun is configured for demanding field hunting, primarily waterfowl and upland game, where reliable semi-automatic cycling and the ability to tailor shot patterns across varying distances are critical. The 28-inch barrel with its 8mm vented flat rib provides a swift, consistent swing plane for tracking birds, while the inertia action significantly reduces felt recoil by approximately 15% compared to many gas systems by transferring energy directly into the bolt's rotation rather than through piston mechanisms. The included set of five chokes (C, F, IC, IM, M) allows the shooter to pattern effectively from 15-yard close flushes with Improved Cylinder out to 45-yard passing shots with Full choke.
How does the RETAY GORDION compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Retay Gordion is fundamentally better for high-volume, rapid follow-up shooting in wet or muddy conditions, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U is superior for precise, pre-planned target presentations and formal clay courses. The Gordion's 4+1 semi-automatic capacity and simpler, self-cleaning inertia mechanism offer a distinct advantage over the Stevens' two-shot, break-action design when facing flocks of ducks or multiple-flush dove scenarios, especially after firing 100+ rounds without a detailed field strip. Conversely, the Stevens 555 provides instantaneous visual confirmation of an empty chamber and more consistent point-of-impact between its two barrels, a non-negotiable for serious trap or skeet competition.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Gordion weighs 6.94 pounds (3.15 kg) unloaded, with an overall length of 48.5 inches from the butt pad to the muzzle. The 28-inch barrel has an outside diameter of 0.825 inches at the muzzle for choke threading, and the receiver measures 6.75 inches in length from the front of the ejection port to the rear of the tang. This puts its balance point approximately 3.5 inches forward of the hinge pin, creating a slightly muzzle-forward feel that aids in maintaining swing momentum but requires a more deliberate mount compared to a shorter-barreled tactical model.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for shooters who require a lightweight, compact firearm for tight-quarters home defense or a true all-purpose ‘do-everything’ gun. It is poorly suited for 3-Gun competition due to its 28-inch barrel and lack of a magazine tube extension port, and it offers no tactical mounting solutions for red-dot optics without significant aftermarket modification. For hunters seeking a compact, fast-handling over/under for grouse in thick timber, I'd point them toward the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga instead, which shaves over 10 inches in overall length.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun with the black synthetic stock installed, the set of five MaraPro choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a shim kit containing three drop and three cast adjustment pieces, a hard plastic choke tube case, and the factory owner's manual. Notably absent is any form of lubricant or basic cleaning kit; Retay assumes you have your own bore solvent and a 12-gauge cleaning rod, which I consider a minor but real oversight for a field-ready firearm sold at this price point.
Is the RETAY GORDION worth it at $729?
At $729, the Gordion presents a justified value proposition for the hunter who needs a dedicated, foul-weather semi-auto but doesn't require the $1,200+ feature set of a Benelli M2 or Beretta A300 Ultima. Your investment gets you a mechanically proven inertia system, a chrome-lined barrel that will outlast a standard blued barrel by several thousand rounds, and a full choke set that would cost $75-$100 separately. For the shooter who wants a single, reliable shotgun for several seasons of waterfowl without the constant maintenance of a gas piston, the cost-per-round of ownership is competitive, provided you accept the synthetic stock's utilitarian finish and the manual safety's crossbolt design.
Key attributes
| upc | 193212028716 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | GORBLK-28L |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | C,F,IC,IM,M |
| color | Black |
| length | 37 |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.8 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 10.4 |
| sights | TruGlo Fiber Optic Front bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this shotgun accept 3.5-inch magnum shells?
- No, the Retay Gordion's chamber is specifically machined for 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells only. Attempting to chamber a 3.5-inch shell will cause a failure to fully seat and could result in a dangerous out-of-battery condition. Always verify chamber markings before loading.
- Is the barrel threaded for aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, the barrel uses the industry-standard Rem-Choke thread pattern, allowing compatibility with most aftermarket choke tubes from brands like Carlson's, Patternmaster, and Trulock. The factory-supplied MaraPro tubes are a good starting point, but aftermarket options can fine-tune patterns for specific loads.
- Can the stock length of pull be adjusted?
- Yes, length of pull is adjustable via the included shim kit. The system allows for approximately 0.5 inches of adjustment in comb height and cast. No special tools are required beyond a hex key, but the process takes about 15-20 minutes to complete correctly without damaging the stock's polymer tang.
- Is the receiver drilled and tapped for a scope mount?
- No, the receiver is not factory-drilled and tapped. The top features the integrated 8mm vented rib only. Adding a traditional scope mount would require professional gunsmithing to drill and tap the aluminum receiver, a service typically costing between $85 and $150, depending on the base used.