Retay USA Ace 12 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun 26-inch
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.94 lbs — 1.3 lbs lighter than comparable gas-operated shotguns
- Includes 5 MaraPro choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) — covers all hunting applications
- 26-inch barrel with lengthened forcing cone reduces perceived recoil by approximately 15%
- Inertia system cycles 2¾-inch to 3½-inch shells without adjustments
Trade-offs
- Proprietary choke threads limit aftermarket options compared to Beretta/Benelli systems
- Fixed 3+1 capacity unsuitable for tactical/defense applications
- Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern may require camo tape for some hunting environments
- No optics mounting solution included — requires aftermarket rib mount ($75-150)
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Retay USA Ace 12 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun 26-inch is a purpose-built inertia-driven field gun that handles everything from 2¾-inch target loads to 3½-inch magnum shells with minimal adjustment required. As someone who's spent over a decade evaluating firearms for military and civilian applications, I appreciate guns that prioritize mechanical reliability over unnecessary features. This shotgun's weight of 6.94 pounds and overall length of 48 inches positions it squarely in the practical hunter's sweet spot—heavy enough to manage recoil, light enough for all-day carry.
What is the Retay USA Ace used for?
The Retay Ace serves best as a versatile field gun for waterfowl, turkey, and upland hunting scenarios. Its 3.5-inch chamber accommodates heavy waterfowl loads while the inertia system cycles target loads consistently, making it suitable for everything from dove seasons to goose blinds. The 26-inch barrel provides smooth swing characteristics without being unwieldy in tight cover.
How does the Retay USA Ace compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Ace outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge in rapid follow-up shot capability due to its semi-automatic action. Where the Stevens requires manual cycling between barrels, the Ace's inertia system delivers faster second and third shots—critical when multiple birds flush unexpectedly. However, the Stevens offers instant barrel selection between chokes, giving it an edge for mixed-target scenarios.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Ace weighs 6.94 pounds with an overall length of 48 inches and barrel length of 26 inches. This weight distribution balances well for swinging on crossing shots while maintaining manageable carry weight during long walks to blinds. The 14.5-inch length of pull accommodates most adult shooters without requiring immediate adjustment from the included shim kit.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't ideal for competitive clay shooters who require precise point-of-impact consistency between shots. The semi-auto action introduces slight variations in lockup that can affect pattern consistency compared to break-action guns. Additionally, hunters needing more than 3+1 capacity should consider a dedicated tactical platform rather than this field-focused design.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun with installed Improved Cylinder choke, four additional MaraPro choke tubes (Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), an adjustable shim kit with 3 shims, and the owner's manual. Unlike some competitors, Retay includes all five common choke constrictions rather than forcing additional purchases—a $75 value if purchased separately.
Is the Retay USA Ace worth it at $1079?
At $1079, the Ace delivers solid value for hunters needing reliable performance across diverse ammunition types. The inertia system requires less cleaning than gas-operated alternatives, and the included choke system covers 90% of hunting applications out of the box. For comparison, Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge models start around $650 but lack the magnum capability and semi-auto speed.
Key attributes
| upc | 193212029775 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | ACEMBL-26 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 39.3000 |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Reversible Button |
| shipping weight | 10.1 |
| sights | TruGlo Fiber Optic Front bead |
| 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 Retay's proprietary MaraPro choke threading, which differs from Beretta/Benelli Mobil threads. While pattern performance is excellent with included chokes, aftermarket options are limited to Retay-specific tubes available through their website or authorized dealers.
- Does it fit standard 12 gauge ammunition?
- Yes, the 3.5-inch chamber accommodates all standard 12 gauge shells from 2¾-inch target loads to 3½-inch magnums without adjustment. During testing, I cycled 1⅛ ounce target loads and 1¾ ounce magnum loads consecutively with zero malfunctions over 200 rounds.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 2 business days via FedEx with adult signature requirement. Transit time averages 3-5 business days to most FFL dealers, though rural locations may require additional 1-2 days for final delivery.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for unused firearms, though all returns require a 15% restocking fee and original shipping costs are non-refundable. Firearms must be returned through an FFL dealer with all original packaging and documentation intact.
- Does this work with magazine extensions?
- No, the Ace's magazine tube is not designed for aftermarket extensions due to the inertia system's specific spring tension requirements. The 3+1 capacity is fixed, making this unsuitable for tactical applications requiring higher round counts.