RETAY USA ACE-R 20ga 26in Bronze Bottomland

About this product

What is the RETAY USA ACE-R 20ga 26in Bronze Bottomland? It's a 20-gauge semi-automatic shotgun built for field and upland hunting, combining a gas-free inertia action with a dedicated 26-inch deep-bore barrel and Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage. The design prioritizes reliable, self-cleaning cycling with 3-inch 20-gauge shells, and the platform ships complete with a shim kit and six extended chokes for immediate field adjustment. For hunters who value mechanical simplicity and consistent patterning over accessory modularity, this represents a serious, purpose-built tool.

What is the RETAY USA ACE-R used for?

This shotgun is built for upland bird hunting and field use where quick, reliable follow-up shots are critical. Its 26-inch barrel provides a smooth swing for flushing pheasant, quail, or grouse, while the inertia action ensures the gun cycles dependably without fouling from powder residue or environmental grit. The deep-bore barrel profile and included chokes let you tailor patterns from tight (Full) to open (Cylinder) within seconds, and the 3+1 capacity is the practical field standard—enough for a covey rise without excessive weight.

How does the RETAY USA ACE-R compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga?

The RETAY ACE-R uses an inertia-driven semi-automatic action, while the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga is an over-under break-action. The RETAY offers faster potential follow-up shots and less perceived recoil due to its operating system, but the Stevens 555 is mechanically simpler and allows immediate visual confirmation of an empty chamber—a non-negotiable safety advantage for many guides. For driven bird shoots or hunting over dogs where a second or third shot matters, the RETAY is objectively better; for formal clays or walk-up hunting where simplicity and absolute safety are paramount, the Stevens has the edge.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The RETAY ACE-R 20ga with a 26-inch barrel weighs 5.8 pounds (92.8 ounces), which is roughly 1.2 pounds lighter than most 12-gauge field guns. Its overall length is 46.5 inches, with a length of pull adjustable from 14.25 to 14.75 inches via the included polymer shim kit. The receiver width measures 1.6 inches at its thickest point, and the buttpad has a height of 5.5 inches—dimensions that balance stock weld for quick mounting without snagging on brush.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for shooters who prioritize aftermarket accessory rails, interchangeable grip modules, or a left-handed configuration—the RETAY is a right-handed, traditional-stocked field gun. It's also a poor choice for high-volume target shooting; while reliable, the inertia system transmits more felt recoil into the stock than a well-tuned gas system when firing hundreds of rounds in a session. Finally, if you require a chamber longer than 3 inches for specialized turkey or waterfowl loads, you need a 3.5-inch chambered model, which RETAY does not offer in this configuration.

What's in the box?

You receive the shotgun, six extended choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full, Waterfowl Full), a polymer shim kit providing 0.25 inches of comb height adjustment, a simple choke tube wrench, and the owner's manual. RETAY does not include a hard case—expect a cardboard box with dense foam inserts, which is adequate for transport but not for checked airline baggage. You'll need to supply your own secure storage container, which is a responsible practice anyway.

Is the RETAY USA ACE-R worth it at $1079?

At $1079, the RETAY ACE-R justifies its price if your priority is a dedicated, reliable hunting tool that requires minimal maintenance. The included six-choke system alone represents a $120-150 value if purchased separately for comparable shotguns. Compared to a Turkish-made semi-auto at $600, the RETAY's fit, finish, and proven Inertia Plus system offer tangible reliability gains in wet or cold conditions. However, if your budget is under $800 and you accept slightly heavier cycling with light target loads, a used Beretta A300 or Franchi Affinity—both inertia guns—might deliver 90% of the performance for less cash.