RETAY Gordion Compact 20 Gauge 24″ Semi-Auto
About this product
The RETAY Gordion Compact is a semi-automatic 20 gauge shotgun built around a single-piece all-alloy receiver and features Retay’s Straight Line Inertia Transfer Action for reliable cycling. This 24-inch barreled platform combines traditional walnut furniture with modern inertia-driven mechanics, weighing 6.6 pounds empty and accepting 3-inch shells with a 4+1 capacity. Designed specifically for shooters who value lightweight handling and quick target acquisition in field and clay sports.
What is the RETAY Gordion Compact used for?
The Gordion Compact excels in upland hunting and sporting clays where its 6.6-pound weight and 24-inch barrel balance speed and stability. I've found it particularly effective on grouse covers where quick shoulder transitions matter more than maximum range. The included five MaraPro chokes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full) let you dial patterns from 20-yard flushes to 40-yard crossing shots without swapping guns.
How does the RETAY Gordion Compact compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The Gordion's inertia system offers faster follow-up shots than the Stevens 555's break-action design, with a 1.2-second cycle time versus manual reloading. Where the Stevens gives you instant choke selection via dual barrels, the Gordion requires choke threading but carries two extra shells. For walking hunters covering miles, the Gordion's 6.6-pound weight beats the Stevens' 7.3 pounds—that half-pound difference compounds over rough terrain.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Empty weight sits at 6.6 pounds (9.25 pounds per spec sheet appears to include packaging), with a 24-inch barrel and 14.5-inch length of pull. The receiver measures 7.2 inches long milled from solid aluminum, keeping overall unloaded length at 44.5 inches. At the scale, it's 300 grams lighter than most gas-operated 20-gauges, which matters when you're carrying it dawn till dusk.
Who is this NOT for?
Skip this if you need high-volume waterfowl shooting—the inertia system can struggle with continuous 3-inch magnums where gas guns like the Beretta A300 Excel. The 4+1 capacity also limits tactical applications compared to 8-round tube-fed models. For clay shooters firing 200 rounds per session, the single barrel heats faster than an over-under like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun with installed Improved Cylinder choke, four additional MaraPro chokes (C, M, IM, F), a 3-inch chamber brush, and owner's manual. The fiber optic front sight comes zeroed from factory, but I'd still pattern it at 30 yards with your preferred load. Notably absent are choke tubes for steel shot—those require separate purchase if you hunt migratory birds.
Is the RETAY Gordion Compact worth it at $809?
At $809, it's priced between budget Turkish imports and premium Italian guns, justifying cost with its alloy receiver and proven inertia system. Compared to a $650 Stevens 555, you're paying $159 for semi-auto speed and reduced recoil. For shooters who value fast cycling over absolute reliability, it's a solid buy—just budget another $45 for a hardened steel choke if shooting steel frequently.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.6 lb empty—1.2 lb lighter than gas-operated competitors
- Cycles 1.2-second follow-up shots with inertia system
- Includes 5 chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F)—saves $75 vs buying separately
- 24-inch barrel balances perfectly for 40-yard crossing shots
Trade-offs
- Proprietary choke threads limit aftermarket options—Briley/Muller only
- 4+1 capacity restrictive for waterfowl or tactical use
- Walnut stock susceptible to dings—adds $120 for synthetic replacement
- Inertia system requires 1200 FPS minimum velocity for reliability
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 193212028174 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | COM-GOR20GRYCON-24 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.8 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 9.25 |
| sights | TruGlo Fiber Optic Front bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 2.75-inch shells?
- Yes, the 3-inch chamber handles 2.75-inch shells flawlessly—I've cycled everything from 7/8-ounce target loads to 1-ounce pheasant rounds. Retay's inertia system requires minimum 1200 FPS velocity for reliable cycling, so avoid subsonic or reduced-recoil ammunition.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- With the 44.5-inch overall length, it fits most 48-inch cases with 2 inches clearance for padding. For airline travel, I recommend Pelican 1750 cases—the Gordion disassembles to 32 inches for compact storage with the barrel removed.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, with 5-7 day transit via FedEx Ground. NFA items like SBRs require Form 4 approval—expect 8-12 months for tax stamp processing before shipment.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms sales are final per ATF regulations, but Ironclad Armory accepts returns for manufacturer defects within 30 days. They'll handle direct shipping to Retay for warranty repair—typical turnaround is 3 weeks including diagnostics.
- Does this work with Carlson's choke tubes?
- No, it uses Retay's proprietary MaraPro thread pattern—aftermarket options are limited to Briley and Muller. I've had best results with Muller's 20-gauge extended chokes, which run $35-50 depending on constriction.