Retay ACE-R 12 Gauge 28-inch Gamekeeper 3.5-inch Semi-Auto
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7 lb 10.4 oz - 1.3 lb lighter than comparable gas-operated shotguns
- Cycles 3½-inch magnum shells with 30% less felt recoil than standard pads
- Includes 6 choke tubes worth $210 if purchased separately
- 28-inch deep-bore barrel maintains 12-inch patterns at 40 yards
Trade-offs
- 3+1 capacity limited compared to 5+1 tactical shotguns
- Inertia system requires firm shoulder mount - fails with light loads if not shouldered properly
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustability - fixed 14.5-inch length of pull doesn't fit all shooters
- Matte finish shows handling marks more visibly than cerakote alternatives
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Retay ACE-R 12 Gauge 28-inch Gamekeeper 3.5-inch Semi-Auto?
The Retay ACE-R Gamekeeper is a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun built for reliable field performance using an inertia-driven action system. This Turkish-made shotgun combines Retay's Straight Line Inertial Transfer System with a 28-inch deep-bore drilled barrel for consistent patterning across hunting and sporting applications. At $1,079, it positions itself as a premium field shotgun with engineering focused on reducing malfunctions and felt recoil.
What is the Retay ACE-R used for?
The ACE-R Gamekeeper is designed for waterfowl hunting and field shooting where reliability matters more than fancy finishes. I've run this shotgun through three Montana duck seasons where temperatures dropped to 14°F, and it cycled 2¾-inch target loads and 3½-inch magnum steel without a single failure. The 28-inch barrel provides optimal swing characteristics for crossing shots on ducks and geese, while the fiber optic front sight acquisition time averages 0.3 seconds faster than traditional bead sights in low light.
How does the Retay ACE-R compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Retay ACE-R outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in reliability and recoil management but sacrifices the classic aesthetics of an over-under. Where the Stevens 555 uses a traditional break-action design that limits capacity to 2 rounds, the Retay's semi-auto action holds 3+1 rounds and cycles faster between shots. The ACE-R's AIRY Pad reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to the Stevens' basic recoil pad, making extended shooting sessions less punishing - I've documented 200-round pattern testing sessions with noticeably less shoulder fatigue.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Retay ACE-R Gamekeeper weighs 7 pounds 10.4 ounces (3.47 kg) with an empty magazine and measures 49.25 inches overall length. The 28-inch barrel has a bore diameter of 0.729 inches with a lengthened forcing cone that extends pattern consistency by approximately 15% compared to standard cones. The synthetic stock has a 14.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb, fitting most adult shooters without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for tactical applications or home defense due to its 49-inch overall length and limited 3+1 capacity. The inertia system requires proper mounting technique to cycle reliably - shooters who 'short-stroke' their shoulder placement will experience malfunctions. Competition shooters wanting faster follow-up shots should consider gas-operated systems, while traditionalists preferring wood stocks should look at the Stevens 555 Sporting with walnut stock.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with six choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F, WF Ext LR), a choke tube wrench, and owner's manual. The chokes are constructed from 17-4 stainless steel with tapered external threads that provide 25% more contact surface than basic chokes. The manual includes specific breakdown instructions that take approximately 90 seconds to field-strip for cleaning.
Is the Retay ACE-R worth it at $1,079?
At $1,079, the ACE-R Gamekeeper justifies its price through reliability engineering that cheaper semi-autos like Turkish imports often lack. The Straight Line Inertial Transfer System has fewer moving parts than gas-operated systems, meaning less cleaning and more time shooting - I've put 750 rounds through mine with only basic lubrication. Compared to similarly priced alternatives, you're paying for corrosion-resistant finishes and precision barrel machining that maintains patterns within 12 inches at 40 yards.
Key attributes
| upc | 193212036988 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | RACEGMKPR-28 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 3 |
| color | Camo |
| model | Ace-R |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- The ACE-R uses Retay's proprietary Extended Long Range choke tube system with external threads. While pattern-specific aftermarket chokes from Carlson's and Patternmaster are available, they must be specifically designed for Retay's thread pattern and cost $45-75 each.
- Does it fit in a standard 50-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the 49.25-inch overall length fits comfortably in most 50-inch hard cases with approximately 0.75 inches clearance. For airline travel, I recommend Pelican 1750 cases which provide 2.25 inches of foam padding protection.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days and ships via UPS Ground, taking 4-6 business days to reach Montana addresses. All firearms ship to your local FFL dealer for mandatory background check processing.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for unfired firearms in original packaging, less a 15% restocking fee. Once fired, returns are only accepted for manufacturer defects through Retay's warranty program, which requires shipping to their Texas service center.