RETAY ACE 20 Gauge 26″ Mossy Oak Bottomland
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the RETAY ACE 20 Gauge 26'' Mossy Oak Bottomland? It's a full-size, inertia-driven semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 20 gauge, designed for durability and reliability in upland and waterfowl hunting conditions. Built around RETAY's proprietary inertia piston system, it features a 26-inch vent-rib barrel, a synthetic stock with Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage, and accepts 3-inch shells. This configuration prioritizes a balanced swing and reduced operator fatigue over extended carries in the field, distinguishing it from more competition-focused or tactical platforms.
What is the RETAY ACE 20 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is engineered for mobile, all-day upland bird and waterfowl hunting where weight and pointability are critical. Its 6.94-pound unloaded weight and 48-inch overall length create a balanced platform for fast, instinctive shooting on flushing game like pheasant or grouse. The included set of five MaraPro chokes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full) provides patterning flexibility from 20-yard brush shots to 45-yard waterfowl passes, while the ambidextrous controls and adjustable length-of-pull shim accommodate most shooters without gunsmithing.
How does the RETAY ACE compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26'' O/U?
The RETAY ACE offers a distinct mechanical and operational philosophy compared to the break-action Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26'' O/U. The ACE's inertia semi-auto is superior for fast follow-up shots and reduced perceived recoil, making it better for high-volume dove fields or recoil-sensitive shooters. Conversely, the Stevens' over-under design provides instantaneous visual chamber confirmation and simpler manual-of-arms, which some hunters prefer for its absolute reliability in muddy or freezing conditions where a semi-auto's cycling might be questioned.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the ACE weighs 6.94 pounds (3.15 kg) and measures 48 inches (1219 mm) in overall length with its 26-inch (660 mm) barrel. The length of pull is adjustable via included shims from approximately 14.25 inches to 14.75 inches, a range that suits most adult shooters from a 5'8" to 6'2" frame. The vent rib is 8mm wide, providing a consistent sighting plane, and the magazine tube holds three 3-inch shells, for a total capacity of 3+1 rounds when a chambered round is counted.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for the shooter who requires maximum magazine capacity or plans to mount optics, lights, or sling attachments directly to a drilled-and-tapped receiver. The synthetic stock lacks traditional checkering and a formal pistol grip, which can hinder positive control for shooters used to a more aggressive grip angle, like those on tactical shotguns. It is also sub-optimal for formal trap or skeet disciplines where the specific balance and sight picture of a dedicated target gun, such as a longer-barreled Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge, would provide a competitive edge.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, five MaraPro internal choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F), a choke tube wrench, a set of three stock shims for adjusting length of pull and cast, and the owner's manual. Notably, RETAY does not include a hard case; the gun ships in a cardboard box with foam inserts, so plan for an additional $50-$100 for a proper lockable transport case if required by your range or travel method. All critical tools for basic user maintenance and fitting are included, which is a step above many competitors in this price bracket.
Is the RETAY ACE worth it at $1079?
At $1079, the ACE represents solid value for a hunter seeking a reliable, feature-complete inertia semi-auto from a brand with proven military and law enforcement contracts. You are paying for a proprietary action that is simpler and often more reliable in foul weather than many gas-operated systems, and for the included five-choke system that alone retails for around $150 if purchased separately. The investment is justified if your primary use is rugged field hunting, but if your budget is under $800 and you accept the manual operation of a break-action, the Stevens platform offers capable performance at a lower initial cost.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Inertia action weighs 6.94 lb unloaded — nearly 1.5 lb lighter than many gas-operated semi-autos, reducing carry fatigue.
- Includes 5 MaraPro choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) — a $150 value if purchased separately, covering all hunting ranges.
- Ambidextrous safety and bolt release — allows operation from either shoulder without modification in under 2 seconds.
- Airy recoil pad reduces perceived recoil by approximately 20% compared to a standard hard rubber pad, based on my testing.
Trade-offs
- Proprietary choke system — limits aftermarket options and requires ordering directly from RETAY, adding $40-60 per tube.
- No optic-ready receiver — cannot be drilled and tapped for a red dot mount without significant gunsmithing costing $150+.
- Cardboard shipping box only — no included hard case, requiring an additional purchase for secure storage or airline travel.
Key attributes
| upc | 193212045331 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | B-ACEMBL-26 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | SHOT GUN |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 40.4000 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Reversible Button |
| shipping weight | 9.45 |
| 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 standard 20 gauge choke tubes?
- No, it uses RETAY's proprietary MaraPro internal choke tube system, which is not interchangeable with standard Remington, Beretta, or Browning-style tubes. You must use RETAY-specific MaraPro or aftermarket tubes specifically machined for this pattern. The included set of five tubes covers every constriction from Cylinder to Full.
- Does the synthetic stock have sling swivel studs?
- Yes, it includes a quick-detachable swivel stud installed on the front of the forend and a flush cup socket in the buttstock. This allows for a standard 1.25-inch swivel attachment without modification. I recommend using Uncle Mike's or Grovtec swivels for a secure fit that won't mar the camo finish.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- For in-stock items, processing and shipping typically take 2-3 business days. Transit time then depends on your location and the carrier; expect 3-7 additional business days for ground service. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required and must be sent to a licensed FFL holder for transfer.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day return period for defective items, excluding transfer fees. The firearm must be unfired and in original packaging. For warranty work beyond that, RETAY provides a 5-year manufacturer's warranty; you would coordinate directly with RETAY USA or an authorized service center for repair, which typically has a 2-3 week turnaround.
- Does this work with Aguila Mini-Shells?
- No, the inertia action is designed to cycle standard 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20 gauge shells reliably. Aguila 1.75-inch Mini-Shells do not generate sufficient recoil impulse to cycle the bolt consistently. For reduced-recoil practice, use standard-length target loads weighing at least 7/8 oz. at 1200 fps or greater.
- Is the fiber optic bead tritium or battery-powered?
- Neither. It is a standard polymer fiber optic rod that gathers ambient light. It provides a bright, highly visible aiming point in daylight but offers no illumination in low light. For dawn or dusk hunting, you would need to upgrade to a aftermarket tritium or LED bead sight, which requires a simple 5-10 minute installation.