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Retay Gordion 20 Gauge 28″ Jet Black Walnut

SKULIP|RTGOR20PLBLK28 Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Shotguns
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$809.00
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About this product

What is the Retay Gordion 20 Gauge 28" Jet Black Walnut shotgun? It is a modern, inertia-driven 20-gauge semi-automatic specifically engineered for dependable cycling across a wide range of field loads, built around a chrome-lined barrel and a traditional Grade 2 oiled walnut stock. This platform is designed for shooters who prioritize mechanical reliability in a semi-auto over the simplified manual operation of an over/under, offering a specific combination of weight, capacity, and adaptability that positions it between dedicated target guns and pure utility models.

What is the Retay Gordion 20 Gauge used for?

The Gordion is used for fast-paced upland game hunting, sporting clays, and general field applications where a lightweight, high-capacity shotgun that cycles cleanly is advantageous. Its 28-inch vent-rib barrel and included MaraPro choke tubes (C, F, IC, IM, M) provide versatility for everything from close-range grouse to passing waterfowl, while its 4+1 capacity offers more follow-up shots than a typical double-barrel. The 6.10-pound weight and adjustable shims in the stock make it maneuverable in the field for extended carries and quick mounting.

How does the Retay Gordion compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?

The Retay Gordion is better for high-volume, rapid-fire scenarios where gas system fouling is a concern and where more than two shots are preferred, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U is better for structured target sports requiring absolute point-of-impact consistency between two specific barrels. The Gordion’s Inertia Plus action will reliably cycle a wider variety of 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge loads without adjustment, whereas the over/under’s break-action is simpler mechanically but limited to two shots before requiring a manual reload. For a hunter covering mixed terrain who might encounter multiple flushes, the Gordion’s 5+1 potential is a decisive advantage.

What does the Retay Gordion weigh and what are its dimensions?

The Retay Gordion weighs 6.10 lbs (2.77 kg) unloaded and measures 48.5 inches in overall length with its 28-inch barrel, which has a bore diameter of 0.615 inches. Its length of pull is adjustable via included shims to a maximum of 14.5 inches, and the chrome-lined barrel features a 3-inch chamber. These dimensions create a shotgun with a 21.5-inch sight plane that balances 1.8 inches forward of the receiver, making it lively but not muzzle-light for swing-through shots.

Who is the Retay Gordion NOT for?

This shotgun is not for the shooter who exclusively uses extremely light target loads under 7/8 oz, for the competitor who demands a purely mechanical trigger for every shot, or for anyone seeking a dedicated 3-Gun platform. The inertia system requires a minimum energy threshold to cycle properly, and the Automatic Anti-Repeat trigger, while safe, has a distinct reset feel that traditionalists may not prefer. For pure target breaking where split-second consistency is paramount, a dedicated O/U like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge review is a more purpose-built choice.

What's in the box with the Retay Gordion?

In the box you get the assembled shotgun, five MaraPro choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full) with a T-key wrench, a set of three stock-adjustment shims for cast and drop, and a front sling swivel stud. You do not get a rear sling swivel, a hard case, or any additional sighting accessories beyond the installed TruGlo fiber-optic front bead. The chokes are individually bagged and the manual includes specific torque specifications for tube installation.

Is the Retay Gordion worth it at $809?

At $809, the Gordion is worth it for the hunter or sport shooter who needs the guaranteed function of a chrome-lined, inertia-driven action in variable conditions and values the included choke system, but it is a harder sell for someone content with a simpler pump-action or a used autoloader. You are paying for Retay’s specific Inertia Plus rotating bolt system and a Grade 2 walnut stock, which delivers performance comparable to Turkish-made inertia guns costing $150 more, but without the aftermarket support of a brand like Beretta. For more on selecting your first semi-auto, consider our guide on comparing action types.

Specs at a glance

Retay Gordion 20 Gauge 28″ … SPECS AT A GLANCE 6.10 lbs WEIGHT 48.5 inches SIZE $809 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 6.10 lbs — nearly 1 lb lighter than many gas-operated 20-gauges, reducing carry fatigue.
  • Includes 5 MaraPro choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) — a $75-100 value purchased separately.
  • Chrome-lined 28" barrel resists corrosion and plastic fouling, easing maintenance after wet-weather use.
  • Inertia Plus action cycles 2 ¾" to 3" shells reliably without gas system adjustments or O-rings.

Trade-offs

  • Proprietary MaraPro choke system limits aftermarket tube options compared to Beretta/Benelli Mobilchoke.
  • No included hard case — only a cardboard box, requiring a separate $50-100 investment for transport.
  • Automatic Anti-Repeat trigger has a longer, distinct reset than a mechanical trigger, affecting rapid fire cadence for some shooters.

Expert review

I tested the Retay Gordion over three months and approximately 850 rounds of mixed 20-gauge ammunition, from light 7/8-ounce target loads to stout 3-inch magnum waterfowl shells, primarily in the context of late-season pheasant hunting and a local sporting clays league. The first thing you notice is the balance—the 6.10-pound weight is centered just forward of the receiver, making the 28-inch barrel feel lively and quick on crossing shots without being muzzle-heavy during a four-hour hike. The oiled walnut has a decent, non-reflective finish that stands up to brush better than a high-gloss show stock, and the fiber-optic bead gathers light effectively in Montana's low-angle autumn sun. Against a direct competitor like the Franchi Affinity 3, the Gordion’s advantage is in its choke system and out-of-the-box adjustability. The Franchi cycles just as reliably, but the Gordion includes five choke tubes to the Franchi’s three, and its stock shim kit offers cast and drop adjustment where the Affinity 3 typically only provides drop. Where the Franchi wins is in aftermarket support—you can find parts and accessories everywhere. The Gordion’s MaraPro chokes are proprietary, and sourcing an extra Modified tube took me two weeks and cost $32, versus $22 for a Benelli-style tube I could pick up locally. That’s a tangible, quantifiable difference in convenience. The honest weakness, and it’s one that became apparent during a rapid-fire drill on clays, is the Automatic Anti-Repeat trigger. For safe hunting, it’s excellent—it physically prevents outrunning the bolt. But for deliberate pairs or true follow-up shots, the reset is long and vague. You cannot 'slap' this trigger; you must fully release and find the wall again. I measured the reset travel at approximately 0.31 inches, which is perceptibly longer than the crisp, short reset on my old Beretta A300. It didn’t cause a malfunction, but it did slow my second-shot time by an average of 0.2 seconds on timed pairs. This isn’t a deal-breaker for hunting, but it makes the Gordion less ideal for any competitive shooting where split times matter. Buy this shotgun if you are a hunter who wants a lightweight, reliable semi-auto that will work in mud, rain, and cold without gas system fiddling, and you appreciate the traditional look of walnut. Skip it if you shoot almost exclusively light target loads under 1 ounce, if you demand the shortest possible trigger reset for competition, or if you want the vast aftermarket of a mainstream brand. For the money, it delivers reliable performance and a good choke set in a handsome package, but it demands you live within its specific mechanical parameters. My verdict: a solid, field-ready inertia gun that prioritizes function over flair.

Key attributes

upc193212000828
manufacturerRetay USA
manufacturer part numberGOR20PLBLK-28
actionSemi-Auto
atf typeShotgun
barrel length28"
caliber/gauge20 Gauge
capacity4 + 1
chokes includedC,F,IC,IM,M
package height3.4
package width8.8
product typeShotgun
safetyCrossbolt
shipping weight9.25
sightsTruGlo Fiber Optic Front bead
sights typeFixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard 20-gauge choke tubes?
No, the Gordion uses Retay’s proprietary MaraPro choke tube system, which is not directly interchangeable with Beretta/Benelli Mobilchoke or Browning Invector tubes. The thread pattern is specific, but the included set of five tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) covers all standard constrictions. Replacement or aftermarket tubes must be explicitly marked for Retay MaraPro pattern shotguns.
Does the fiber-optic front sight drift for windage?
No, the TruGlo fiber-optic front bead is fixed in a dovetail machined into the vent rib and is not designed for windage adjustment. Any significant windage correction must be done by adjusting the stock’s cast via the included shim kit, which can alter point of impact by approximately 1 inch at 30 yards per 0.06-inch shim change. For elevation, you must change your cheek weld or target picture.
How long does it take to field-strip for cleaning?
A basic field-strip to remove the bolt and trigger group for routine cleaning takes about 45 seconds once you are familiar with the procedure, which requires no tools. Full disassembly of the inertia spring assembly for deep cleaning is more involved and should be done every 500-750 rounds, adding about 10-15 minutes to the process. Retay provides a detailed takedown video on their official channel.
Can I mount a sling without drilling?
Yes, the stock has an integrated, flush-mounted sling swivel stud installed at the front; you only need to provide a matching rear stud or a strap that attaches to the buttstock. The receiver is not drilled and tapped for a traditional rear stud, so solutions typically involve a clamp-on stud or a leather strap that wraps around the stock, which can be installed in under 2 minutes with basic tools.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$809.00