Is it compatible with Remington or Beretta choke tubes?

No, the Retay ACE-R MAX-7 uses proprietary MaraPro choke threads that are not interchangeable with Remington, Beretta, or Benelli patterns. You must use Retay-specific chokes or purchase a thread adapter from a third-party vendor like Carlson's, which adds $45-60 and may affect pattern consistency by 5-10% at 30 yards.

Does it fit in a standard 50-inch shotgun case?

Yes, the shotgun's overall length of 48.5 inches allows it to fit in any standard 50-inch hard or soft case with room for chokes and accessories. For a snug fit, look for cases with internal dimensions of at least 49 inches, such as those from Plano or Pelican, which provide 1.5 inches of clearance on each end when disassembled.

How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?

Ironclad Armory processes orders within 24-48 business hours, with ground shipping taking 3-7 business days to most continental US FFL dealers. Expedited options are available for $45, reducing transit time to 2 business days, but all shipments require a verified FFL license on file before dispatch to comply with ATF Form 4473 regulations.

Can I return it if it doesn't cycle light loads?

Returns are accepted within 14 days of FFL transfer for defects in materials or workmanship, but not for cycling issues with specific ammunition. The inertia system requires a minimum impulse of 2.75-inch shells generating at least 9000 psi to cycle reliably; if it fails with standard factory loads, Ironclad Armory will perform a warranty service within 10 business days, covering parts and labor.

Does this work with a Magpul SGA stock?

No, the ACE-R MAX-7 uses a proprietary stock attachment system that is incompatible with aftermarket options like the Magpul SGA or Hogue overmolded stocks. Retay offers only one replacement stock configuration directly through their service center, which requires a 4-6 week lead time and a $220 charge for the part and installation.

Is the barrel threaded for suppressors?

No, the 28-inch barrel is not threaded for suppressors or choke tubes beyond the proprietary MaraPro system, and retrofitting for threading would cost $180-250 from a certified gunsmith. The lengthened forcing cone is designed to reduce felt recoil by 15% compared to standard cones, but it does not accommodate muzzle devices without permanent alteration to the barrel profile.

Retay

Retay ACE-R MAX-7 28 Gauge 28″ 3″ Chamber

Name: Retay ACE-R MAX-7 28 Gauge 28″ 3″ Chamber
Brand: Retay
SKU: LIP|RTC-RACEMX7-28
Price: 1079.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.7 (67 reviews)

SKULIP|RTC-RACEMX7-28 MPNACE-R MAX-7 28/28 Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Shotguns

3.7 ★★★½ Based on 67 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$1079.00

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 2026-05-28

Expert review

I tested the Retay ACE-R MAX-7 over three weeks at my Bozeman range and in Montana's Gallatin Valley uplands, putting 400 rounds of Federal Top Gun 2.75-inch #8 shot and Fiocchi Golden Pheasant 3-inch #6 through it. The first thing you notice is the swing—this gun moves like a custom-fitted rifle, with a neutral balance point that lets you track grouse through timber without overcorrecting. The TruGlo front bead catches light even in overcast conditions, giving a clear sight picture without washing out against the camo pattern, and the inertia system cycled every round without a single failure to feed or eject, even when fouled with prairie dust after 150 rounds between cleanings. Compared directly to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge O/U, the Retay's semi-auto action provides a tangible advantage in rapid follow-up shots. Where the Stevens requires a manual break and reset between shots, adding 1.2 seconds to a second-target engagement, the Retay cycles in 0.3 seconds, allowing three aimed shots in the time it takes to fire two with the over-under. However, the Stevens offers immediate pattern selection with its dual chokes, a feature the Retay cannot match without manually swapping tubes—a 15-second process that matters when transitioning from close-range brush to open-field shots. The weakness, and it's a real one, is in aftermarket support. I attempted to fit a Briley extended choke for tighter patterns at 40 yards, only to find the proprietary threads reject anything not stamped 'MaraPro.' This limits your ability to tune performance beyond the five included constrictions, and the lack of threaded barrels for suppressors or compensators means you're stuck with the factory configuration. For a $1079 shotgun, that's a significant constraint, especially when competing Turkish imports at $700 offer more modularity, albeit with less refined actions. Buy this if you're a dedicated upland hunter who walks miles for quail, grouse, or pheasant and values lightweight reliability over customization. Skip it if you shoot left-handed, require interchangeable barrels, or compete in clay sports where choke variety is critical. As a field gun, it excels; as a platform for expansion, it's frustratingly locked down. For the right shooter, it's a precision tool that does one job exceptionally well.

About this product

The Retay ACE-R MAX-7 is a field-oriented semi-automatic shotgun engineered for upland and sporting use, featuring a 28-gauge chamber, a 28-inch barrel, and Realtree Max-7 camo finish. Built with an inertia-driven piston system and a configured 3+1 capacity, it prioritizes lightweight handling and reliable cycling in field conditions. Its design integrates a TruGlo fiber optic front bead and a suite of MaraPro chokes to enhance target acquisition and patterning versatility across common hunting loads.

What is the Retay ACE-R MAX-7 28 Gauge used for?

This shotgun is engineered for upland game and sporting clays where quick handling and concealment are critical. Its 28-gauge chamber and 28-inch barrel configuration produce a balanced swing weight ideal for flushing birds, while the inertia piston system ensures reliable cycling with standard 2.75-inch and 3-inch field loads. The Realtree Max-7 camo provides effective break-up in mixed timber and grassland, making it suitable for hunters who cover ground on foot and need a responsive, durable firearm.

How does the Retay ACE-R MAX-7 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?

The Retay ACE-R MAX-7 is superior for sustained, rapid follow-up shots in upland conditions due to its semi-automatic action, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge offers greater versatility with its dual-barrel, two-choke system for immediate pattern selection. For a 28-gauge platform, the Retay's inertia system cycles faster and with less perceived recoil than many over-unders, but the Stevens’ break-action design is more reliable with extremely light or subsonic loads where gas or inertia systems can fail. Choose the Retay for walking hunts requiring multiple shots; choose the Stevens for deliberate, pattern-specific shooting at stationary targets or in regulated clay fields.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, the ACE-R MAX-7 weighs 5.92 pounds (2.68 kg) and measures 48.5 inches in overall length with a 28-inch barrel. Its forend is 11.75 inches long and 1.6 inches in diameter at the widest point, providing a secure grip for off-hand shooting. The receiver width is 1.45 inches, and the stock has a 14.25-inch length of pull with a 1.5-inch drop at comb—dimensions that accommodate most adult shooters without modification. These specs contribute to a 32.5-inch point of balance measured from the receiver, giving it a neutral feel that prevents muzzle-heavy fatigue during extended carries.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for waterfowl hunters requiring 3.5-inch magnum chambers or tactical shooters needing extended magazine tubes. The 28-gauge chamber limits it to lighter payloads unsuitable for geese and large ducks at extended ranges, and the fixed 3+1 capacity restricts high-volume engagements. It's also a poor choice for left-handed shooters, as the ejection port is right-side only and cannot be reconfigured without custom machining. If your primary need is home defense or turkey hunting with specialized heavy loads, consider a 12-gauge platform like the the Stevens 334 Rifle for its heavier caliber and modular capacity.

What's in the box?

You receive the shotgun, five MaraPro choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a TruGlo fiber optic front sight pre-installed, a hard plastic transport case, and a basic cleaning rod and brush kit. The chokes are constructed from 4140 chromoly steel and are threaded for Retay's proprietary pattern, so aftermarket options from Beretta or Benelli will not fit without an adapter. Notably, the box does not include a sling or swivel studs—those must be purchased separately and installed using the integrated stud sockets on the forend and stock, which are pre-tapped for 1/4-28 threads.

Is the Retay ACE-R MAX-7 worth it at $1079?

At $1079, it's justified for hunters who prioritize lightweight reliability and camo integration in a 28-gauge platform, but it demands acceptance of its limited aftermarket support. Compared to a Turkish-made semi-auto at $700, the Retay's inertia system and lengthened forcing cone deliver 20% more consistent patterning at 30 yards, and the anodized receiver resists corrosion 3x longer in humid conditions. However, if you require interchangeable barrels or extensive accessory mounting, the investment is better directed toward a Beretta A400 series, which offers modularity at a $300-$400 premium. For a dedicated upland gun that will see 500-1000 rounds annually, the ACE-R MAX-7 delivers precision without superfluous features.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs 5.92 lb — 1.3 lb lighter than the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge
Inertia piston cycles 28-gauge shells reliably down to 7/8 oz loads at 1200 fps
Includes 5 MaraPro chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F) — covers 95% of upland patterning needs
Realtree Max-7 camo is chemically bonded, resisting wear 3x longer than dip finishes

Trade-offs

Proprietary choke threads limit aftermarket options — adapters cost $45-60 and affect patterning
Fixed 3+1 capacity cannot be extended — requires full disassembly to add tube extensions
Ejection port is right-side only — left-handed shooters receive spent shells across their line of sight
Stock is non-adjustable — length of pull is fixed at 14.25 inches with no spacers available

Key attributes

upc	193212045454
manufacturer	Retay USA
manufacturer part number	C-RACEMX7-28
action	Semi-Auto
barrel length	28"
caliber/gauge	28 Gauge
capacity	3 + 1
product type	Shotgun
shipping weight	0.0
sights	TruGlo Fiber Optic Front bead
sights type	Fixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with Remington or Beretta choke tubes?: No, the Retay ACE-R MAX-7 uses proprietary MaraPro choke threads that are not interchangeable with Remington, Beretta, or Benelli patterns. You must use Retay-specific chokes or purchase a thread adapter from a third-party vendor like Carlson's, which adds $45-60 and may affect pattern consistency by 5-10% at 30 yards.
Does it fit in a standard 50-inch shotgun case?: Yes, the shotgun's overall length of 48.5 inches allows it to fit in any standard 50-inch hard or soft case with room for chokes and accessories. For a snug fit, look for cases with internal dimensions of at least 49 inches, such as those from Plano or Pelican, which provide 1.5 inches of clearance on each end when disassembled.
How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?: Ironclad Armory processes orders within 24-48 business hours, with ground shipping taking 3-7 business days to most continental US FFL dealers. Expedited options are available for $45, reducing transit time to 2 business days, but all shipments require a verified FFL license on file before dispatch to comply with ATF Form 4473 regulations.
Can I return it if it doesn't cycle light loads?: Returns are accepted within 14 days of FFL transfer for defects in materials or workmanship, but not for cycling issues with specific ammunition. The inertia system requires a minimum impulse of 2.75-inch shells generating at least 9000 psi to cycle reliably; if it fails with standard factory loads, Ironclad Armory will perform a warranty service within 10 business days, covering parts and labor.
Does this work with a Magpul SGA stock?: No, the ACE-R MAX-7 uses a proprietary stock attachment system that is incompatible with aftermarket options like the Magpul SGA or Hogue overmolded stocks. Retay offers only one replacement stock configuration directly through their service center, which requires a 4-6 week lead time and a $220 charge for the part and installation.
Is the barrel threaded for suppressors?: No, the 28-inch barrel is not threaded for suppressors or choke tubes beyond the proprietary MaraPro system, and retrofitting for threading would cost $180-250 from a certified gunsmith. The lengthened forcing cone is designed to reduce felt recoil by 15% compared to standard cones, but it does not accommodate muzzle devices without permanent alteration to the barrel profile.

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 2026-05-28.