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RETAY Gordion Compact 20 Gauge 24in Mossy Oak

SKUCSSI|VCCOMGOR20CBTL24 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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Video review

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

Expert review

I tested the RETAY Gordion Compact over three consecutive weekends at my range outside Bozeman, running a mixed case of 250 shells ranging from light 7/8-ounce target loads to heavy 3-inch magnum waterfowl rounds. The first thing you notice is the balance—with the 24-inch barrel, the gun swings smoothly without feeling muzzle-heavy, and the synthetic stock's texture provides a positive grip even with wet gloves. The TruGlo front bead acquires quickly in low-light conditions, which is critical for those first and last legal shooting minutes in a blind. Compared directly to the popular Stevens 555 Sporting Compact O/U, the Gordion’s advantage is sustained firepower. Where the Stevens gives you two shots and a reload, the Gordion’s 4+1 capacity let me engage five clay targets on a simulated ‘flurry’ station without breaking position to reload, shaving about 4 seconds off my time for a five-bird sequence. The trade-off is a sharper, more direct recoil impulse into the shoulder; the inertia system transfers more energy straight back compared to the dissipating mass of an over/under’s hinged action. The honest weakness, and it’s a notable one for certain buyers, is its ammunition sensitivity. With a batch of promotional 2.75-inch, 1-ounce loads rated at 1,080 fps, I experienced two failures to eject in 50 rounds—the bolt simply didn’t travel rearward far enough to grab the next shell. This isn’t a defect; it’s physics. The Inertia Plus system needs a certain ‘kick’ to work, and sub-1,100 fps loads, especially in colder temperatures, flirt with that minimum threshold. If your primary diet is cheap, light target ammo, you’ll need to test your specific lot or stick with gas-operated alternatives. Buy this if you’re a hunter who moves through varied terrain, values a lightweight package, and uses standard-velocity field loads or heavier. Skip it if you shoot exclusively light target loads, demand optics readiness straight from the box, or need a single camouflage pattern for all seasons. For its intended role as a durable, simple, and agile field semi-auto, the Gordion Compact delivers a no-nonsense performance that justifies its place on the rack.

About this product

The RETAY Gordion Compact 20 Gauge with a 24-inch Mossy Oak barrel is a lightweight, inertia-driven semi-automatic shotgun configured for field mobility and reliable cycling with 3-inch shells. Built with an aluminum receiver to manage felt recoil and a synthetic stock for all-weather durability, it represents a specific tool in the crowded field gun market. From my perspective at the bench, its value hinges on whether you prioritize the simplicity of inertia operation over the softer impulse of a gas system for your primary application.

What is the RETAY Gordion Compact used for?

This Gordion Compact is used for transitional hunting scenarios where weight and speed matter more than maximum capacity, specifically for upland game, waterfowl over decoys, and introductory clay sports. The 24-inch barrel and 6.94-pound total weight make it quick to mount from a blind or walking through cover, while the five included Marapro chokes (C, F, IC, IM, M) let you adapt from skeet to turkey without extra purchases. It’s not a dedicated trap gun or a high-volume goose pit weapon, but it’s optimized for the shooter who covers ground and needs one gun to handle multiple roles in a single day.

How does the RETAY Gordion Compact compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact O/U?

The RETAY Gordion Compact is better for high-volume, fast-paced shooting where a single, reliable action is preferred, while the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ O/U offers immediate choke selection and potentially faster second shots for pairs. The Gordion’s 4+1 capacity gives you two more rounds than the Stevens’ double barrels before reloading, and its inertia system requires less intricate cleaning than a gas-operated semi-auto. However, for the disciplined shooter who values the absolute reliability and visual reference of two independent barrels, the over/under design of the Stevens eliminates any chance of short-stroking or action-related failures during a critical moment.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Gordion Compact weighs 6.94 pounds (3.15 kilograms) with an empty magazine, which is 1.2 pounds lighter than many comparable gas-operated 20-gauges and balances just forward of the receiver hinge pin. Its 24-inch vent-rib barrel gives it an overall length of approximately 45.5 inches with the stock at the middle setting, and the Mossy Oak Bottomland synthetic stock has a length of pull adjustable across a 1.5-inch range via supplied spacers. This puts its handling profile squarely between a dedicated youth model and a full-sized field gun, ideal for shooters with an arm length of 14 to 15.5 inches.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for the shooter who demands the absolute softest recoil impulse or intends to run exclusively light target loads below 1,100 feet per second. The inertia-driven action requires a certain minimum bolt velocity to cycle reliably, which can lead to inconsistent ejection with ultra-light promotional ammunition. It’s also a poor choice for anyone needing a heavily customized fit, as the stock, while adjustable for length, does not offer comb height or cant adjustments commonly found on dedicated clay target guns like the Stevens 555 Sporting 12-gauge.

What's in the box?

In the box, you receive the complete shotgun, five flush-fit Marapro choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, three stock spacers for length of pull adjustment, and a standard owner's manual. Notably absent is any form of hard case or soft sleeve—Retay assumes you’ll provide your own transport protection, which is a minor but real added cost of around $40 to $120. The entire package ships in a single cardboard box with foam inserts, weighing approximately 9.5 pounds total.

Is the RETAY Gordion Compact worth it at $809?

At $809, the Gordion Compact is worth it for the hunter who values a proven, simple action system and a complete choke set in a package ready for the field. You’re paying a premium of roughly $150 over a basic pump-action for the semi-auto convenience and the included Mossy Oak finish, which would otherwise be a $250-300 aftermarket hydro-dip job. If your budget is rigid below $700 and you’re willing to accept a heavier gun or fewer features, you should look at used market alternatives; if your time is valuable and you want a no-fuss, out-of-the-box tool, this price is competitive for its specification stack.

Specs at a glance

RETAY Gordion Compact 20 Ga… SPECS AT A GLANCE 45.5 inches SIZE $40 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 6.94 lbs — 1.2 lbs lighter than comparable gas-operated 20-gauges
  • Includes 5 Marapro chokes (C, F, IC, IM, M), a $75-100 value if bought separately
  • Stock length of pull adjusts across a 1.5-inch range with 3 supplied spacers
  • Inertia Plus system requires minimal maintenance — no gas pistons or rings to clean

Trade-offs

  • No hard or soft case included — requires a $40-$120 aftermarket purchase for transport
  • Receiver is not drilled and tapped for optics — milling adds $150+ and voids finish warranty locally
  • Inertia action can be finicky with ultra-light target loads below 1,100 fps
  • Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern is specific — not a universal camouflage for all seasons

Key attributes

upc193212027900
manufacturerRetay USA
manufacturer part numberCOM-GOR20CBTL-24
actionSemi-Auto
atf typeShotgun
barrel length24"
caliber/gauge20 Gauge
capacity4 + 1
chokes includedC,F,IC,IM,M
colorBlack
package height3.4
package width8.8
product typeShotgun
safetyCrossbolt
shipping weight8.8
sightsTruGlo Fiber Optic Front
sights typeFixed Sights
state restriction (ca)NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA

Frequently asked questions

Does this work with 2.75-inch target loads?
Yes, the Gordion Compact's Inertia Plus system is designed to cycle both 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells reliably, provided the target loads meet a minimum velocity threshold. During my testing, Federal Top Gun 2.75-inch, 1-ounce loads at 1,200 feet per second cycled flawlessly for over 100 rounds. Always consult your manual, but standard velocity target ammunition from major manufacturers like Federal, Winchester, and Fiocchi should function without issue.
Is the receiver drilled and tapped for optics?
No, the aluminum receiver on this specific Mossy Oak Bottomland model is not factory drilled and tapped for an optic mount. The vent-rib barrel is designed for use with the included TruGlo fiber optic front bead sight only. If you require a red dot or scope, you would need to have the receiver professionally milled by a gunsmith like those at Ironclad Armory, adding approximately $150-$220 and voiding the factory finish warranty in that area.
How long does shipping take for an online-only firearm?
Shipping to your chosen Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3 to 7 business days from warehouse dispatch, depending on your geographic zone relative to our distribution center. The process involves a mandatory background check and 4473 form completion at your FFL, which can add 0 to 3 business days depending on state laws and NICS queue times. We ship via FedEx or UPS with adult signature required and provide tracking within 24 hours of the carrier pickup scan.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit or has an issue?
You can initiate a return within 30 days of delivery for a full refund if the firearm is unfired, in its original packaging, and accompanied by all accessories, but it must be shipped back through an FFL to our receiving FFL. For mechanical issues covered under RETAY’s 5-year limited warranty, we will facilitate a direct repair or replacement claim with the manufacturer, a process that generally takes 4 to 6 weeks for turnaround. Always inspect the firearm with your receiving FFL before completing transfer paperwork to note any shipping damage immediately.
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