Retay Gordion 12GA 28″ Vent Rib Walnut

About this product

The Retay Gordion 12GA 28″ Vent Rib Walnut is a semi-automatic field shotgun built around an inertia piston operating system designed for reliable cycling across a wide range of 12-gauge loads. It features a 28-inch vent-rib barrel with interchangeable chokes, Grade 2 oiled walnut stock, and aluminum alloy receiver construction optimized for upland hunting and sporting clays. At $809, this Turkish-made shotgun delivers mechanical reliability that outperforms many competitors in its price class while maintaining traditional aesthetics.

What is the Retay Gordion 12GA 28" Vent Rib Walnut used for?

This shotgun is designed for upland bird hunting, waterfowl, and sporting clays where reliable semi-automatic operation and pattern flexibility are critical. The 28-inch barrel provides excellent swing dynamics for moving targets, while the five included MaraPro chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F) allow precise pattern control from 20 to 60 yards. The TruGlo fiber-optic front sight acquires targets quickly in low-light conditions common at dawn and dusk waterfowl blinds.

How does the Retay Gordion compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?

The Retay Gordion's semi-automatic action provides faster follow-up shots and reduced felt recoil compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U break-action design. While the Stevens offers simpler mechanics and classic double-barrel reliability, the Gordion's 4+1 capacity and inertia-driven system handle 2¾-inch to 3-inch shells without adjustment, making it more versatile for mixed hunting scenarios. The Gordion weighs 7.3 pounds unloaded—0.8 pounds heavier than the Stevens—but distributes recoil more effectively through its microcell polyurethane pad.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded weight is 7.3 pounds (118.4 oz) with an overall length of 48.5 inches due to the 28-inch barrel. The walnut stock features a 14.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb, accommodating most adult shooters without modification. The vent rib measures 8mm wide with a tapered profile that reduces glare and improves sight alignment compared to flat ribs found on cheaper imports.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun isn't suitable for tactical or home defense applications due to its 28-inch barrel length and field-oriented choke system. Left-handed shooters will find the ejection port orientation and safety placement challenging without modification. For shorter-statured shooters or youth hunters, the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact with its 26-inch barrel and reduced dimensions provides better fit.

What's in the box?

The package includes the shotgun with installed Improved Cylinder choke, four additional MaraPro chokes (C, M, IM, F), three stock adjustment shims for cast and drop customization, a sling swivel set, and standard manufacturer documentation. Notably absent are choke tubes wrenches—you'll need to provide your own ¾-inch open-end wrench or purchase an aftermarket key.

Is the Retay Gordion worth it at $809?

At $809, the Gordion delivers exceptional value compared to Turkish competitors like Stoeger or American-made options costing $300-400 more. The inertia system requires less cleaning than gas-operated shotguns and handles light target loads more reliably than many budget semiautos. Where it falls short against premium brands like Beretta is in fit refinement—the walnut-to-metal fit shows visible gaps up to 0.5mm in places—but mechanical function remains uncompromised.