Retay USA Gordion Upland Semi-Auto 26″ Vent Rib, Walnut
About this product
What is the Retay USA Gordion Upland Semi-Auto 26″ Vent Rib, Walnut? The Retay Gordion is a gas-operated semi-automatic upland shotgun designed for hunters who need a reliable, lightweight field gun that handles 3-inch shells. It balances a 26-inch vent-rib barrel with a gray cerakote aluminum receiver and adjustable walnut stock to create a platform optimized for instinctive pointing and all-day carry. Retay positions this model specifically for the walk-up pheasant and grouse hunter who demands autoloader versatility without the bulk of heavier action systems.
What is the Retay Gordion Upland used for?
This shotgun is engineered for upland bird hunting over pointing dogs, where the primary requirement is fast, instinctive shooting at flushing targets within 40 yards. The 26-inch barrel and 6.08-pound total weight provide a swift, balanced swing that doesn't fatigue the shooter during miles of walking through cover. Its 3-inch chamber and 4+1 capacity make it capable for dove, quail, and light waterfowl work with steel shot, though its balance favors the uplands over the marsh.
How does the Retay Gordion compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Gordion's gas-operated semi-automatic action absorbs more felt recoil than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U’s fixed-breech, break-action design, making it more pleasant to shoot over a full day with standard 1-1/8 ounce loads. Where the Stevens 555 requires manual operation between shots, the Gordion cycles automatically, allowing faster follow-ups on covey rises—a clear advantage when a second bird flushes as you're recovering from the first shot. However, the Stevens O/U offers inherent barrel selection with dual triggers, giving immediate choke variation the Gordion cannot match without stopping to swap tubes.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Gordion measures 46.5 inches overall with its 26-inch barrel, has a 14.25-inch length of pull (adjustable via shims to ±0.5 inches), and weighs 6.08 pounds empty. The receiver width is 1.62 inches at its widest point—narrow enough to not snag on brush—and the vent rib sits 0.25 inches above the barrel for consistent sight alignment. For comparison, that's 1.3 pounds lighter than a typical Beretta A300 Outlander with the same barrel length, a difference you'll feel after three hours in the field.
Who is this NOT for?
Do not buy the Gordion if you primarily hunt waterfowl with high-volume 3-inch magnum loads; its gas system is tuned for standard upland pressures and will require more frequent cleaning with heavy fouling ammunition. It's also a poor choice for three-gun competition where magazine extensions are needed—the fixed 4+1 tube cannot be legally modified for more capacity without NFA registration. Finally, left-handed shooters should note the ejection port is right-side only; brass deflects consistently, but hot hulls will cross your line of sight.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun with one modified choke tube installed, two additional flush-mounted choke tubes (improved cylinder and full), three stock adjustment shims for cast and drop, a sling swivel stud set, and the operator's manual with multi-language warnings. Retay does not include a hard case—expect a cardboard box with foam inserts—so factor in another $60-$120 for a proper waterproof compared here: field case. The manual clearly states the 90-day warranty period and lists approved cleaning solvents; ignore this at your own risk.
Is the Retay Gordion worth it at $809?
At $809, the Gordion delivers reliable semi-auto performance at a price point $200-$300 below most major competitors with similar feature sets, making it a strong value for the dedicated upland hunter. You're getting a walnut-stocked, shim-adjustable gas gun that cycles 1-ounce target loads reliably—something many budget autoloaders struggle with—without needing to step up to a $1,100 Franchi Affinity. Consider the the Stevens 334 if your budget is tighter and you accept a simpler, fixed-stock platform, but for the money, the Gordion's balance and adjustability justify the expense for serious field use.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.08 lbs empty — 1.3 lbs lighter than a Beretta A300 Outlander with the same barrel length
- Includes 3 choke tubes (IC, M, F) and shim kit for cast/drop adjustment — a $75 value if purchased separately
- Gas-operated action reliably cycles 1-oz target loads and 3-inch magnums with minimal adjustment
- 14.25-inch length of pull adjustable ±0.5 inches via shims — accommodates most adult frames without gunsmithing
Trade-offs
- 90-day manufacturer warranty — significantly shorter than the 3-5 years offered by Franchi or Beretta
- Proprietary choke system — replacement tubes only available from Retay USA at ~$35 each, limiting aftermarket options
- No hard case included — requires additional $60-120 investment for proper field transport
- Right-hand ejection only — left-handed shooters will have hulls crossing their visual plane during cycling
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 193212017369 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | GORGRYCON-26 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| sights | TruGlo Fiber Optic Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, the Gordion uses Retay's proprietary Gordion-series choke tubes in 12-gauge; they are not interchangeable with Beretta/Benelli Mobilchoke or Browning Invector patterns. Three tubes are included (Modified, Improved Cylinder, Full), and additional constrictions are available directly from Retay USA for approximately $35 each.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- Yes. With the 26-inch barrel and an overall length of 46.5 inches, the Gordion fits comfortably in any 48-inch hard or soft case with room to spare for choke keys and cleaning gear. For reference, the takedown width at the receiver is 1.62 inches, so it will not fit in ultra-slim cases designed for break-actions.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock firearms within 2 business days, and transit time via UPS or FedEx to your selected FFL is typically 3-5 additional business days. You must contact your FFL dealer directly to provide their license copy before we can ship; delay that step and your order sits in our vault.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No. Federal law prohibits the return of transferred firearms except for genuine manufacturer defects verified by Retay USA. We strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer before purchasing online. The included shim kit allows 0.5 inches of length-of-pull adjustment, but cannot change the fundamental stock dimensions.
- Does this work with a magazine tube extension?
- No. The Gordion's magazine tube is permanently crimped at the 4-round capacity to comply with 922(r) regulations for imported semi-automatic shotguns. Adding an extension would constitute manufacture of a non-compliant firearm under federal law. If you require more capacity, consider a domestic-made autoloader like the Mossberg 930.