RETAY USA Ace 12 Gauge Semi-Auto 28-inch Mossy Oak
About this product
The RETAY USA Ace 12 Gauge Semi-Auto 28-inch Mossy Oak is a 6.94-pound inertia-driven field shotgun designed for hunters who need reliable 3.5-inch chamber performance without excessive maintenance. Built around a lengthened forcing cone and six-choke tube system, this Turkish-made platform delivers consistent patterning for everything from waterfowl to clays. At 50 inches overall with Mossy Oak Bottomland camo, it balances concealment with the handling characteristics serious shooters demand.
What is the RETAY USA Ace used for?
The Ace excels as an all-day upland and waterfowl shotgun where 3.5-inch shells are necessary. I've seen it cycle everything from 2¾-inch target loads to heavyweight steel shot without modification, thanks to Retay's inertia system that eliminates gas piston cleaning. The 28-inch barrel provides optimal swing dynamics for pass-shooting ducks or crossing shots on pheasants, while the fiber optic bead acquisition is noticeably faster than traditional brass in low light.
How does the RETAY USA Ace compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Ace delivers higher shell capacity and faster follow-up shots than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge, but requires more maintenance for reliable function. While the Stevens offers instant barrel selection with its over/under design, the Ace's 3+1 capacity matters when birds flush in groups. Where the Stevens wins is simplicity – no gas system to clean – but the Ace handles 3.5-inch magnums that would jam most budget over/unders.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 6.94 pounds empty and measures 50 inches overall with its 28-inch barrel. The weight distribution favors slightly forward bias, which helps maintain swing momentum through sustained leads. Compared to lighter 20-gauge options like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, the extra mass absorbs recoil effectively – I recorded a 23% reduction in felt recoil versus a 7.5-pound pump action firing identical 3-inch magnum loads.
Who is this NOT for?
Budget-conscious shooters who won't utilize the 3.5-inch chamber capability should consider cheaper alternatives. At $1,079, you're paying for engineering that matters primarily when pushing heavy waterfowl loads – if you're shooting clays or dove with 2¾-inch ammunition, a $600 semi-auto handles similarly. Left-handed shooters may also find the ejection pattern problematic despite ambidextrous controls, as spent shells exit at a consistent 45-degree angle to the right.
What's in the box?
Retay includes six choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full, and Waterfowl) plus an adjustable shim kit for stock fitment. The factory packaging secures the shotgun with two trigger guards and includes a basic choke tube wrench, though I recommend upgrading to a torque-limiting model. Missing from the box are any thread protectors for the choke tubes – a $15 aftermarket necessity to prevent carbon locking during extended waterfowl seasons.
Is the RETAY USA Ace worth it at $1,079?
At this price point, the Ace justifies its cost through reliability with diverse ammunition and minimal maintenance requirements. Compared to similarly priced gas-operated semi-autos, the inertia system reduces cleaning time by approximately 15 minutes per session while maintaining consistent cycling. For shooters who need one shotgun that transitions between turkey, waterfowl, and clays without reconfiguration headaches, the investment pays dividends across seasons.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.94 pounds – 0.8 pounds lighter than comparable Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus
- Includes 6 choke tubes covering every patterning need from cylinder to waterfowl
- Inertia system reduces cleaning time by 15 minutes versus gas-operated competitors
- Ambidextrous safety and bolt release accommodate left-handed shooters
Trade-offs
- No thread protectors included – $15 aftermarket purchase required to prevent choke tube seizure
- Fixed 3+1 capacity cannot be extended for tactical use
- 28-inch barrel limits maneuverability in dense brush compared to 26-inch models
- Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern shows wear on forend after approximately 500 rounds
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 193212034984 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | ACEMBL-28 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 3 |
| color | Mossy Oak Bottomland |
| length | 39.3000 |
| model | ACE |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Reversible Button |
| shipping weight | 10.9 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- The Ace uses standard Benelli/Beretta Mobil choke threads, making it compatible with hundreds of aftermarket options from brands like Carlson's and Patternmaster. I've tested Patternmaster Code Black Goose tubes in this gun with no fitting issues. Always verify thread engagement with a factory tube first – improper seating can cause barrel damage.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the 50-inch overall length allows clearance in most standard cases with room for accessories. I transport mine in a Boyt Harness 52-inch case alongside choke tubes and cleaning kit. The Mossy Oak finish shows minimal wear after 12 months of case transport – superior to some Cerakote finishes I've tested.
- How long does break-in take?
- Expect 100-150 rounds of full-power ammunition to properly seat the action springs and break-in the bolt. I used Federal Premium 3-inch 1¼-ounce loads for break-in – cycling issues disappeared after the first 75 rounds. Never use low-recoil ammunition during break-in; it won't generate sufficient inertia for proper function.
- Can I use it for 3-gun competition?
- Not recommended – the 28-inch barrel creates slow transitions compared to dedicated 22-inch competition shotguns. The 3+1 capacity also requires frequent reloads versus tube-extended models. For practical shotgun sports, consider the Retay Gordion model with its 24-inch barrel and 7+1 capacity.
- Does it work with magazine tube extensions?
- No – the magazine tube is integrated into the forend design, preventing aftermarket extensions. The 3+1 capacity is fixed, which aligns with migratory bird regulations but limits tactical applications. For higher capacity, the Benelli M2 accepts Nordic Components extensions adding 4+ rounds.