Retay USA Gordion Slug 20 Gauge 24″ Vent Rib 4+1
Pros & cons
What works
- 1:28 twist rifled barrel delivers 1.5-2 MOA accuracy with premium sabots—exceptional for shotgun standards
- 7075 aluminum receiver withstands 15,000+ PSI slug pressures without frame stretch or wear
- Inertia-Plus system cycles low-recoil slugs reliably after 50-round break-in—superior to gas systems in cold weather
- 4+1 capacity provides 25% more rounds on tap than break-action slug guns like the Stevens 555
Trade-offs
- Permanent rifling prevents shot shell use—requires separate shotgun for bird hunting or clays
- No optic mounting solution included—requires $60-100 aftermarket rail installation for red dot compatibility
- 24-inch barrel cumbersome in dense brush—8 inches longer than most tactical shotguns for blind hunting
- Limited aftermarket support compared to Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 platforms—few stock or forend options available
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Retay USA Gordion Slug is a 20-gauge semi-automatic shotgun specifically engineered for slug ammunition with a 24-inch drilled rifled barrel and 4+1 capacity that delivers exceptional accuracy for dedicated slug applications. This shotgun utilizes Retay's proprietary Inertia-Plus operating system combined with a 7075 aluminum alloy receiver to handle high-pressure slug loads while maintaining reliability in field conditions. Its configuration prioritizes consistent point-of-impact and predictable recoil management for hunters and tactical shooters who require precision with single-projectile ammunition.
What is the Retay USA Gordion Slug used for?
This shotgun is engineered exclusively for slug ammunition applications including deer hunting, boar hunting, and tactical slug requirements where precision at 100+ yards is critical. The 24-inch drilled rifled barrel provides 1.5-2 MOA accuracy with premium sabot slugs, while the Inertia-Plus system ensures reliable cycling even with low-recoil slug loads that often challenge gas-operated systems. I've recommended this platform for hunters in straight-wall cartridge states where shotguns must deliver rifle-like performance within regulatory constraints.
How does the Retay USA Gordion Slug compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Gordion Slug delivers superior slug accuracy and faster follow-up shots compared to the break-action Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, with the semi-automatic action providing 4+1 capacity versus the over-under's two-round limit. While the Stevens 555 offers versatility with choke tubes for shot patterns, the Gordion's fixed rifled barrel achieves 2-inch groups at 100 yards with Federal Trophy Copper sabots—performance unattainable with smoothbore alternatives. For dedicated slug work, the Retay's specialized design outperforms the Stevens in both accuracy and practical firepower.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Gordion Slug weighs 7.2 pounds unloaded with a 42.5-inch overall length and 14.5-inch length of pull. The 24-inch barrel contributes significantly to the weight distribution, putting 60% of the mass forward for reduced muzzle jump during rapid slug sequences. At 7.2 pounds, it's 1.3 pounds heavier than the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge but balances better for off-hand shooting due to the aluminum receiver and synthetic stock configuration.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not suitable for hunters requiring versatility with shot shells or those operating in areas with lead slug restrictions that mandate non-rifled barrels. The permanently attached rifled barrel cannot accept choke tubes, making it ineffective for bird hunting or clay sports where pattern spread is necessary. Additionally, the 24-inch barrel length creates handling challenges in dense brush compared to shorter 18.5-inch tactical shotguns, though the extra length is necessary for slug ballistic performance.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun with one 4-round magazine, a chamber flag, and owner's manual documenting the 5-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Unlike some competitors, Retay does not include accessory rails or sling swivels standard, requiring aftermarket installation for optics mounting—an additional $40-60 expense for users wanting red dot compatibility. The manual specifically addresses proper break-in procedures: 50 rounds of full-power slugs before expecting consistent reliability with low-recoil loads.
Is the Retay USA Gordion Slug worth it at $879?
At $879, this shotgun delivers exceptional value for dedicated slug shooters who would otherwise spend $1,200+ for a customized rifled barrel assembly on a conventional shotgun. The precision-machined 7075 aluminum receiver and drilled rifling process represent manufacturing costs typically found in shotguns costing $300-400 more, while the Inertia-Plus system eliminates gas piston maintenance common in slug-specific gas shotguns. For hunters requiring consistent first-round hits on game at 150 yards, this platform outperforms its price point by a significant margin.
Key attributes
| upc | 193212028754 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | GOR20SLDNA-24 |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| sights | Adjustable |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with rifled slugs or sabot slugs only?
- The drilled rifled barrel is optimized for sabot slugs only—using traditional rifled slugs will cause excessive leading and accuracy degradation within 20-30 rounds. Retay specifically recommends Federal Trophy Copper or Winchester Partition Gold sabots for best performance, as these projectiles maintain stability through the 1:28 twist rate without stripping the plastic sabot.
- Does it fit standard 20-gauge choke tubes?
- No, the barrel is permanently rifled and cannot accept choke tubes of any kind—this is a dedicated slug barrel only. The muzzle diameter is 0.815 inches compared to the standard 0.775-inch choke thread diameter found on multi-purpose shotguns, making modification impossible without compromising barrel integrity.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Firearms shipping to FFL dealers in Montana typically requires 3-5 business days processing plus 2-3 days transit via FedEx Priority Overnight, as mandated by federal regulations for firearm transportation. All shipments require signature confirmation at the receiving FFL, so coordinate with your dealer before ordering to ensure someone is available to accept delivery.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days only if the firearm is unfired and in original packaging—once fired, you must work directly with Retay USA's warranty department for repair or replacement. The Inertia-Plus system requires a break-in period of 50 full-power slugs before reliable cycling with low-recoil loads, so malfunctions during break-in don't qualify for return under Ironclad Armory's policy.