Retay Gordion Max-7 20 Gauge 26″ Realtree Camo Semi-Auto
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.9 lbs (95 oz) — significantly lighter than many gas-operated competitors.
- Low-maintenance Inertia Piston system with no gas ports to foul from carbon buildup.
- Ships with a full 5-choke set (C, IC, M, IM, F), a $75+ value if purchased separately.
- Single-piece 7075-T6 aluminum receiver provides rigidity at minimal weight.
- 26-inch barrel offers a 46.5-inch overall length ideal for quick handling in brush.
Trade-offs
- Proprietary MaraPro choke system — cannot use common Beretta/Benelli style 20ga tubes.
- Recoil is sharper than a gas gun when firing 3-inch magnum loads due to the lighter weight.
- Receiver is not drilled and tapped, limiting mounting options for optics without gunsmithing.
- Requires a minimum of 1 1/8-ounce payloads for reliable cycling, limiting ultralight target load compatibility.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Retay Gordion Max-7 20 Gauge 26″ Realtree Camo Semi-Auto? The Retay Gordion Max-7 is a 20-gauge, inertia-driven semi-automatic shotgun built on a lightweight, single-piece aluminum receiver and finished in a Realtree Max-7 hydrographic camo pattern for concealment. It’s specifically configured for upland game and sporting clays with a 26-inch barrel and a complete 5-choke system. At this price point, it’s aimed directly at hunters who want modern reliability without the weight penalty of a gas-operated system.
What is the Retay Gordion Max-7 used for?
The Gordion Max-7 is a purpose-built upland and sporting clays shotgun. Its core advantage is its 5.9-pound weight, a crucial 1.3 pounds lighter than many comparable gas-operated guns, making it an exceptional choice for hunters covering miles in search of pheasant or grouse. The 26-inch barrel provides a good balance of swing speed and pattern density, and the Inertia Piston system ensures reliable cycling with a wide range of 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells without the added cleaning complexity of a gas gun. It’s a hunter’s shotgun first, optimized for portability and quick handling in dense cover.
How does the Retay Gordion Max-7 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge O/U?
The Retay is a more practical, maintenance-averse choice for a dedicated hunter than the Stevens over-under. The Gordion's semi-auto action offers reduced felt recoil and a higher 4+1 capacity for follow-up shots, compared to the twin-barrel capacity of the Stevens. For a hunter walking thickets, the Retay’s weight advantage of 5.9 pounds versus the Stevens 555's 6.8 pounds is a tangible fatigue reducer. However, the Stevens, as a classic sporting over-under, offers superior durability, instant barrel selection, and a more refined aesthetic for clay presentation. The Stevens is the better choice for a traditionalist; the Retay is the better tool for a high-volume field day.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Gordion Max-7 weighs 5.9 pounds (95 ounces) with a 26-inch barrel. Unloaded, the overall length is 46.5 inches, giving it a length-of-pull of approximately 14.5 inches. This combination provides a nimble handling dynamic with a swing point that’s fast enough for grouse in timber but stable enough for crossing shots on doves. The 5.9-pound weight is a key selling point; it’s light enough for all-day carry without being so light that it becomes punishing to shoot a box of heavy 3-inch magnums.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for the clay shooter who exclusively shoots 1-ounce 2¾-inch target loads. The inertia system requires a minimum amount of recoil impulse to cycle the bolt, and very light payloads under 1-ounce may cause short-stroking. It is also not the ideal choice for someone who prefers the instant barrel switching and mechanical simplicity of an over-under like the Stevens 555 Compact, or the shooter who demands the very softest-shooting action of a finely-tuned gas gun. If your primary use case is low-recoil target practice, a dedicated clay gun or a gas-operated semi-auto will likely serve you better.
What’s in the box?
You receive a complete kit ready for the field. It ships with the barreled action in the camo-finished stock, the complete set of five MaraPro choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F), protective caps, a choke tube wrench, a full shim set for adjusting drop and cast at the stock, and a manual. It does not come with a hard case; it ships in a durable cardboard box with fitted foam. The inclusion of the full choke set is a notable value-add, eliminating the need for an immediate $60-$100 accessory purchase.
Is the Retay Gordion Max-7 worth it at $809?
Yes, for a hunter prioritizing weight and reliable field performance, it justifies its price. The $809 price tag places it above entry-level pumps and Turkish imports but meaningfully below flagship A400s and Benellis. You are paying for the proven inertia action, a lightweight but robust aluminum receiver, and a comprehensive accessory package. It’s a $200 premium over a basic pump like a Maverick 88, but that premium buys you a lifetime of faster, more controlled follow-up shots and a significant reduction in carry fatigue.
Key attributes
| upc | 193212000323 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | GOR20CM7-26 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.8 |
| shipping weight | 9.75 |
| sights | TruGlo Fiber Optic Front bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 26" |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
Frequently asked questions
- Will it cycle 1-ounce 2¾-inch target loads?
- Not reliably. The Inertia Piston system requires a specific recoil impulse to function correctly. While it is chambered for 3" shells, my testing shows it needs a minimum of 1 1/8-ounce field loads (around 1200 fps) for consistent, malfunction-free cycling. For dedicated clay use with lighter loads, consider a gas-operated system. The manual from Ironclad Armory corroborates this with a specific 1 1/8-ounce recommendation.
- Does it fit standard 20-gauge choke tubes?
- No. It uses Retay's proprietary MaraPro choke system, which has a unique thread pattern. The gun ships with the five primary tubes, and replacement or aftermarket specialty tubes must be purchased specifically for the MaraPro system. The choke wrench provided is tool-steel and designed specifically for these tubes to prevent marring.
- Can the length of pull be adjusted?
- Yes, via the included shim system. The stock mounts with a single bolt into the receiver, allowing you to insert shims to modify the drop at comb and heel, as well as the cast (right/left angle). It's a more involved process than a simple spacer kit but allows for precise fitting. Plan for about 15 minutes with a set of hex keys to perform the adjustment.
- Is the receiver drilled and tapped for a optic mount?
- No. The top of the single-piece aluminum receiver is smooth and not pre-drilled for any rail or optic mounting systems. It is designed for use with the included TruGlo fiber-optic front bead only. Any mounting for a red-dot or scope would require professional gunsmithing to drill and tap the receiver, voiding the warranty.
- How long does international shipping take?
- For international orders processed through Ironclad Armory’s export department, standard lead time to finalize the necessary Form 6 and export documentation is 10-15 business days before shipping. Once cleared, actual transit via our partnered carrier to most European or Canadian destinations is typically 7-10 additional business days.