RETAY USA ACE EXTRA 20GA 26″ – Black Synthetic
Pros & cons
What works
- Five-choke Marapro set included — eliminates $120-180 initial accessory purchase
- Inertia system weighs 6.5 lbs — 1 lb lighter than comparable gas-operated semi-autos
- Shim kit adjusts length of pull by 0.5" and cast — allows fitment without gunsmithing
- 26" vent-rib barrel provides 0.625" wide sighting plane — improves alignment consistency
Trade-offs
- 3+1 capacity fixed by magazine plug — cannot be extended for tactical use
- No hard case included — requires $80-150 separate purchase for proper transport
- Inertia system less tolerant of low-power 7/8 oz target loads — may require 1 oz minimum for reliable cycling
- Synthetic stock has minimal texture — may require added grip tape in wet conditions
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the RETAY USA ACE EXTRA 20GA 26″? It's a semi-automatic 20-gauge shotgun built around an inertia-driven system, weighing 6.5 pounds with a 26-inch vent-rib barrel, designed for reliability across sporting and field applications. This is a modern inertia-operated gun competing directly with traditional gas systems, offering a specific balance of weight and recoil management for 20-gauge loads. The package includes a five-choke Marapro set and shim kit for fitting, positioning it as a dedicated tool for shooters prioritizing mechanical simplicity over maximum capacity.
What is the RETAY USA ACE EXTRA 20GA 26″ used for?
This shotgun is primarily used for sporting clays, upland bird hunting, and general range practice, where its 6.5-pound weight and 26-inch barrel create a fast-swinging, balanced platform. The inertia system cycles reliably with standard 2¾-inch and 3-inch field loads without gas piston tuning, making it suitable for mixed-use days. It's less ideal for waterfowl blinds requiring high-volume 3.5-inch shells or tactical applications where magazine extensions are critical.
How does the RETAY USA ACE EXTRA compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The RETAY Ace Extra is better for shooters who prefer semi-automatic operation and reduced felt recoil, while the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge name review is superior for precise choke selection per barrel and inherent safety of an open action. The RETAY's inertia system requires less cleaning than a gas gun but more than an over-under's simple break-action. For a clay shooter alternating between stations, the RETAY's single sight plane and semi-auto function may offer faster follow-up shots at the cost of the Stevens 555's instantaneous choke versatility.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The RETAY USA Ace Extra weighs 6.5 pounds (2.95 kg) and measures 46.5 inches in overall length with its 26-inch barrel, resulting in a length of pull of approximately 14.5 inches, adjustable via included shims. The vent-rib barrel has a 0.625-inch flat top width for consistent sight alignment, and the receiver width is 1.75 inches across its narrowest point. These dimensions create a point-of-balance roughly 3 inches forward of the hinge pin, contributing to its quick mount characteristics in the field.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for waterfowl hunters requiring high-volume 3.5-inch magnum loads, as its chamber is limited to 3-inch shells and its 3+1 capacity is restrictive for prolonged flights. It's also not ideal for competitive trap shooters who need dedicated 30-inch or longer barrels for consistent long-target breaks, or for those who exclusively shoot very light target loads below 1 ounce, where inertia systems can sometimes struggle to cycle without proper technique. For those users, a dedicated gas-operated semi-auto or a longer-barreled over-under like the name review would be a better fit.
What's in the box?
The box contains the shotgun, five Marapro choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), an adjustable shim kit with three spacers for altering drop and cast, a T-handle choke tube wrench, and the owner's manual outlining maintenance intervals. Notably, it does not include a hard case—only a cardboard box with foam inserts—so budgeting for a separate protective case is necessary for transport. The supplied chokes are internally threaded for the 20-gauge Invector-Plus pattern, compatible with aftermarket options from brands like Carlson's and Briley.
Is the RETAY USA ACE EXTRA worth it at $999?
At $999, the RETAY Ace Extra is worth it for shooters who value a lightweight, reliable inertia system and a complete kit including five chokes and shims, avoiding the typical $150-200 in accessory purchases. It occupies a price point above basic Turkish imports but below premium Italian semi-autos, delivering proven mechanical design without unnecessary ornamentation. If your primary use is casual clays or upland hunting with standard 20-gauge loads, this package provides immediate field readiness. For those needing a dedicated, multi-discipline clay gun or a waterfowl workhorse, the investment might be better directed toward a specialized model.
Key attributes
| upc | 193212029805 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | BACEBLK26 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 40.2000 |
| package height | 2.75 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Reversible Button |
| shipping weight | 9.3 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses the Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style 20-gauge choke thread pattern, specifically the "Invector-Plus" system. This is a common standard, compatible with tubes from Carlson's, Briley, and Trulock. The included Marapro chokes are internally threaded for this system, and replacement or specialized tubes typically cost $30-$50 each.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch rifle case?
- No, its 46.5-inch overall length with the 26-inch barrel installed requires a case with interior dimensions of at least 48 inches to allow for padding. Most standard 48-inch hard cases have interior lengths of 46-47 inches, which would be too tight. I recommend a dedicated 50-inch or 52-inch shotgun case from brands like Plano or Boyt for safe transport.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping to your selected Federal Firearms Licensee typically takes 3-5 business days from order verification, depending on your location. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required and mandatory hold at the hub for FFL pickup. You must contact your FFL in advance to provide their license copy and coordinate transfer, which adds 1-2 days for background check processing.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations, unless the firearm arrives damaged or with a verifiable manufacturer defect. You can use the included shim kit to adjust the length of pull by approximately 0.5 inches and the comb height slightly. If fit remains an issue, aftermarket stock spacers or a professional gunsmithing adjustment would be required at your expense.
- Does this work with Aguila Mini-Shells?
- No, the inertia-operated action is not designed to cycle 1¾-inch Aguila Mini-Shells or similar reduced-length ammunition reliably. The system requires the standard 2¾-inch or 3-inch shell length to generate sufficient rearward momentum to cycle the bolt. For reduced-recoil loads, stick with standard-length 2¾-inch target ammunition weighing at least 7/8 ounce to maintain reliable function.
- What is the thread pattern for a choke tube wrench?
- The choke tubes use a standard 13/16-inch hex opening, compatible with most universal shotgun wrench tools. The included T-handle wrench has this size and a knurled grip. If you need a replacement, any 13/16-inch shotgun choke wrench from Wheeler, Real Avid, or MTM will work. Do not use adjustable crescent wrenches, as they can damage the choke tube's external flats.