Retay ACE-R Bronze Bottomland Shotgun 28ga 3″ Chamber 3rd Capacity 28” Barrel Synthetic Stock
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6 lbs 6 oz - 1.8 lbs lighter than a typical 12-gauge over-under like the Stevens 555 Sporting
- Inertia Plus system requires 70% less field stripping for cleaning than a gas-operated shotgun
- Includes shim kit for 3/8-inch cast and drop adjustment at the stock interface
- 3" chamber handles all modern 28-gauge factory loads up to 3/4 oz payloads
Trade-offs
- Receiver is not drilled & tapped - no option for optic mounting without costly gunsmithing
- 3-round fixed capacity is a hard limit; incompatible with magazine extensions
- Proprietary choke tube system limits aftermarket tube selection vs. Beretta/Benelli models
- Synthetic stock has minimal texturing; may feel slick with wet gloves
Video review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Retay ACE-R Bronze Bottomland Shotgun 28ga 3" Chamber? It's an inertia-driven 28-gauge shotgun chambered in 3" with a 28" barrel, designed for field hunters seeking a lightweight, reliable, and low-maintenance platform. The ACE-R series builds on Retay's legacy of simplifying shotgun mechanics with their Inertia Plus system, which eschews gas operation entirely, while the Bronze Mossy Oak Bottomland™ finish provides effective vertical-pattern concealment specifically for marsh and flooded timber environments. This is a purpose-built tool for a specific hunting discipline.
What is the Retay ACE-R Bronze Bottomland used for?
Primarily, this shotgun is for waterfowl hunting in dense timber and marsh environments. The 28-gauge chambering with a 3" capacity offers a potent yet low-recoil payload for species like wood ducks and teal within 35 yards. Its 6.6 lb weight and 50-inch overall length make it exceptionally fast-handling in a blind or a kayak, while the inertia system eliminates the need to clean gas pistons or ports after a day in mud and water—a frequent maintenance task for competitors like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
It weighs 6 pounds 6 ounces (2.9 kg) unloaded. The critical dimensions are a 28-inch (711mm) barrel, a 50-inch (1270mm) overall length, and a 14.5-inch length of pull inclusive of the included shim kit, which allows for approximately 0.375 inches of cast adjustment. This profile is over 1.5 pounds lighter than many 12-gauge over-unders and nearly a full foot shorter in overall length than 3.5-inch-chambered waterfowl-specific pumps.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for target shooters or hunters requiring high-volume fire. The 3-round capacity is a critical legal and mechanical limitation, making it a poor choice for sporting clays or pheasant drives where follow-up shots are frequent. It is also not for those who prefer modular optics; the receiver is not drilled and tapped, permanently committing you to the single fiber optic bead sight. For a multi-role, optics-ready shotgun, our guide to first over-unders covers more versatile platforms.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, three Extended Long Range choke tubes (C, IC, M), a shim kit for stock adjustment, and the push-button removable trigger assembly. Retay does not include a hard case; expect a cardboard carton with foam inserts. Warranty paperwork is included for the limited lifetime coverage, which is non-transferable and requires registration within 30 days. The trigger group can be field-stripped without tools in under 60 seconds.
Is the Retay ACE-R worth it at $1079?
At $1079, it's worth it for the dedicated waterfowler prioritizing absolute reliability in wet conditions and lightweight carry. The Inertia Plus system is proven across thousands of rounds with minimal cleaning, a tangible advantage over gas guns that can foul. However, this is a premium over many Turkish-made inertia guns. The value proposition hinges entirely on whether you need this specific 28-gauge, timber-camouflage configuration—a more general-purpose 20-gauge semiauto offers more versatility for a similar or lower price point.
Key attributes
| upc | 193212030993 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | C-RACEBRBL-28 |
| shipping weight | 9.3 |