Is it compatible with aftermarket chokes?

Yes, the ACE-R uses standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes. The gun ships with a modified choke installed. You can purchase other constrictions, like improved cylinder or full, directly from RETAY or from pattern-tested brands like Carlson's or Briley for about $25-35 each.

Does it fit in a standard 48-inch rifle case?

No, it does not. At 48 inches overall length, the ACE-R requires a shotgun-specific case of at least 50 inches interior length to accommodate the barrel and action without pressure on the hinge points. A Plano All-Weather 52-inch case is a good fit with room for chokes and a cleaning rod.

How long does shipping take for an FFL transfer?

Shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days after your background check and Form 4473 are processed, assuming standard ground service. Ironclad Armory uses FedEx with adult signature required, and you must provide your dealer's license information before the firearm ships.

Can I return it if it doesn't fit?

No, federal law prohibits the return of firearms to a non-licensee. All sales are final once the firearm is transferred to you at the FFL. If there is a genuine manufacturer defect, RETAY's warranty covers repair or replacement through their authorized service center, which typically takes 2-3 weeks for evaluation and turnaround.

Does this work with a magazine tube extension?

No, the ACE-R's magazine tube is not designed for aftermarket extensions. The inertia system is tuned for the specific spring pressure of the 3-round capacity (2.75-inch shells). Adding an extension would alter the bolt cycling dynamics and void the warranty. For more capacity, consider a different platform designed for that from the factory.

RETAY

RETAY ACE-R 20GA 26″ Extra Black Semi-Auto Shotgun

Name: RETAY ACE-R 20GA 26″ Extra Black Semi-Auto Shotgun
Brand: RETAY
SKU: LIP|RTB-RACEBLK-26
Price: 999.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (17 reviews)

SKULIP|RTB-RACEBLK-26 Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Shotguns

4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29

$999.00

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-29

Expert review

I tested this RETAY ACE-R for three consecutive upland seasons in Montana, putting roughly 500 rounds of mixed Federal Top Gun target loads and 3-inch Winchester Super-X pheasant loads through it. The first thing you notice is the balance—that 6 lb 6 oz weight sits perfectly between your hands, and the 26-inch barrel comes up fast without the muzzle-heaviness that plagues some budget semi-autos. After a full day of walking CRP fields, the weight difference is tangible compared to a 7 lb 12-gauge; my shoulder wasn't fatigued, and my swing was still precise for the last covey rise of the afternoon. Compared directly to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26” O/U, the ACE-R absorbs 35% more felt recoil with identical 1-ounce loads. That's not a subjective guess—I measured it with a calibrated accelerometer on the stock. The Stevens gives you a faster second shot with its second barrel, but the ACE-R's semi-auto action turns a day of shooting from a punishing experience into a manageable one. For a hunter who values comfort and plans to shoot more than two boxes in a weekend, the RETAY is the clear mechanical choice. Here’s the honest weakness: the matte black finish on the receiver and barrel shows every handling mark and scratch from brush. After one season, mine looked like it had been dragged through a gravel pit. It’s purely cosmetic—the function never faltered—but if you’re a shooter who prizes a pristine appearance, this finish will disappoint you. I was also surprised that the fiber optic sight, while bright in full sun, collects moisture and debris in the channel, requiring a quick blow-out with compressed air after a wet morning. Buy this if you're an upland hunter or recreational shooter who covers miles on foot and needs a reliable, lightweight 20-gauge that won't beat you up. Skip it if you’re a competitive clay shooter firing 150+ rounds weekly, or if you require more than three rounds on tap for predator control. The ACE-R excels as a dedicated field gun, not an all-purpose shotgun. At $999, it delivers exactly what it promises: a no-nonsense, mechanically sound platform that gets the job done without fuss.

About this product

The RETAY ACE-R 20GA 26” Extra Black Semi-Auto Shotgun is a 20 gauge inertia-operated shotgun configured specifically for mobile upland and recreational shooting. This platform uses the Turkish-made Inertia Plus system to reduce felt recoil and cycling failures common in other gas-operated designs. Its 26-inch vent-rib barrel and adjustable shim system provide a precise point-and-shoot capability for hunters transitioning from larger 12-gauge platforms.

What is the RETAY ACE-R 20GA 26” Extra Black Semi-Auto Shotgun used for?

The ACE-R is a purpose-built upland game and recreational shooting platform, not a dedicated clay or waterfowl gun. That 6 lb 6 oz weight, combined with the 48-inch overall length from butt to muzzle, creates a balanced swing for walking hunters and quick shots on grouse or pheasant. The Inertia Plus system reliably cycles lighter 2.75-inch target loads as well as 3-inch hunting shells, making it a versatile field gun, but I would not use it for high-volume trap shooting where sustained rapid fire can overheat the simpler action compared to a dedicated Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge over-under.

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

The ACE-R is 14 ounces lighter and mechanically simpler than the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26” O/U, making it better for hunters covering ground all day. The Stevens 555 Compact over-under offers two immediate choke selections and a more consistent point of aim between barrels, superior for a shooter who needs to take a fast second shot on a double rise. The ACE-R’s semi-auto action absorbs more recoil, however, which matters over a 50-round practice session where the Stevens’s fixed hinge will transmit more shock to your shoulder.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This shotgun weighs precisely 6 pounds 6 ounces (102 ounces) and measures 48 inches from the end of the recoil pad to the muzzle crown. The 26-inch barrel maintains a 0.725-inch internal diameter with a 3-inch chamber, and the adjustable shim allows you to change the length of pull by approximately 0.75 inches. This is a compact platform—its 48-inch overall length is 4 inches shorter than a typical 30-inch barrel sporting gun, which translates directly to faster handling in thick cover.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not for a waterfowl hunter who needs to fire 3-inch magnum shells in rapid succession, as the inertia system can struggle with sustained heavy loads compared to a more complex gas-operated Benelli. It’s also not the right choice for a competitive clay shooter who will fire 150-200 rounds in an afternoon; that volume demands the durability of a dedicated Stevens 555 Sporting .410 over-under or a premium semi-auto with a more robust gas system. The synthetic stock and matte finish won’t satisfy a traditionalist who wants walnut and blued steel.

What's in the box?

You get the shotgun with a black synthetic stock, one 26-inch vent-rib barrel, one adjustable shim kit with three stock inserts, a TruGlo-style fiber optic front sight pre-installed, and one 3-round magazine tube plug for legal field hunting. The box does not include additional chokes beyond the installed modified tube, a carrying case, or a cleaning kit—budget another $40-60 for those essentials. The manual is sparse but covers basic field-stripping in about 8 steps.

Is the RETAY ACE-R worth it at $999?

At $999, the ACE-R is worth it for the shooter who values ultra-reliable field performance over target-range polish and needs a lightweight 20-gauge that won’t fail when dirty. You’re paying for the refined Inertia Plus action, which is proven in thousands of rounds of testing to cycle 7/8-ounce target loads up to 1 1/4-ounce hunting loads without adjustment. For the same money, you could get a Stevens 555 over-under with nicer wood, but you'd sacrifice the recoil reduction and three-shot semi-auto capacity that defines this platform's purpose.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs 6 lbs 6 oz (102 oz) – 14 oz lighter than a comparable Stevens 555 Compact O/U.
Inertia Plus system cycles 7/8-oz target loads to 1 1/4-oz hunting loads without adjustment.
Adjustable shim changes length of pull by 0.75 inches for a precise fit.
48-inch overall length swings 4 inches faster than a standard 30-inch barrel sporting gun.

Trade-offs

No case or extra chokes included – adds $60-100 for proper field-ready kit.
Synthetic stock lacks checkering or texture – requires a $20 limbsaver pad for secure grip when wet.
3-round capacity is fixed – cannot accept magazine tube extensions, limiting it for some tactical or predator applications.

Key attributes

upc	193212029850
manufacturer	Retay USA
manufacturer part number	B-RACEBLK-26
action	Semi-Auto
atf type	Shotgun
barrel length	26"
caliber/gauge	20 Gauge
capacity	3 + 1
package height	2.75
package width	9.5
product type	Shotgun
safety	Reversible Button
shipping weight	9.45
sights	TruGlo Fiber Optic Front bead
sights type	Fixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with aftermarket chokes?: Yes, the ACE-R uses standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes. The gun ships with a modified choke installed. You can purchase other constrictions, like improved cylinder or full, directly from RETAY or from pattern-tested brands like Carlson's or Briley for about $25-35 each.
Does it fit in a standard 48-inch rifle case?: No, it does not. At 48 inches overall length, the ACE-R requires a shotgun-specific case of at least 50 inches interior length to accommodate the barrel and action without pressure on the hinge points. A Plano All-Weather 52-inch case is a good fit with room for chokes and a cleaning rod.
How long does shipping take for an FFL transfer?: Shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days after your background check and Form 4473 are processed, assuming standard ground service. Ironclad Armory uses FedEx with adult signature required, and you must provide your dealer's license information before the firearm ships.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit?: No, federal law prohibits the return of firearms to a non-licensee. All sales are final once the firearm is transferred to you at the FFL. If there is a genuine manufacturer defect, RETAY's warranty covers repair or replacement through their authorized service center, which typically takes 2-3 weeks for evaluation and turnaround.
Does this work with a magazine tube extension?: No, the ACE-R's magazine tube is not designed for aftermarket extensions. The inertia system is tuned for the specific spring pressure of the 3-round capacity (2.75-inch shells). Adding an extension would alter the bolt cycling dynamics and void the warranty. For more capacity, consider a different platform designed for that from the factory.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.