Is it compatible with 2¾-inch target loads?

Yes, the 3-inch chamber reliably cycles standard 2¾-inch target loads from 1-ounce to 1⅛-ounce payloads. The inertia system requires a minimum impulse equivalent to a standard 1-ounce load at 1200 FPS to guarantee function. Sub-sonic or reduced-recoil loads below this threshold may cause short-stroking.

Does the fiber optic front sight require batteries?

No, the TruGlo fiber optic front sight is passive and requires no batteries. It gathers ambient light through a 1.5mm polymer rod with an estimated 500-hour operational lifespan before potential UV degradation. The green/yellow dual-color insert provides approximately 18% greater low-light contrast than a standard brass bead.

Can I use aftermarket chokes like Carlson's or Briley?

No, it requires proprietary Retay Marapro chokes with a unique thread pattern measuring 0.8125-28. Aftermarket choke tubes from Carlson's, Briley, or other manufacturers will not seat properly. Retay offers additional constrictions (Skeet, Turkey Extra Full) through their parts department with a 7-10 business day lead time.

How long does shipping take to an FFL?

Standard shipping to your selected FFL takes 3-5 business days from our Montana warehouse. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required and tracking provided within 24 hours of processing. Alaska and Hawaii shipments add 2-3 business days transit time and require verification of FFL compliance with TSA air cargo regulations.

RETAY

RETAY Gordion Compact 20 Gauge 26″ Walnut Grey

Name: RETAY Gordion Compact 20 Gauge 26″ Walnut Grey
Brand: RETAY
SKU: LIP|RTCOMGOR20GRY26
Price: 809.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (17 reviews)

SKULIP|RTCOMGOR20GRY26 Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Shotguns

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

$809.00

Quantity

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

About this product

The RETAY Gordion Compact 20 Gauge 26" Walnut Grey is a lightweight semi-automatic inertia-operated shotgun designed for field carry and clay sports. It features Retay's inertia transfer system within a compact 6.1-pound package with a 26-inch vent-rib barrel and five interchangeable Marapro chokes. This platform prioritizes reliability in varied conditions and straightforward user maintenance over complex gas-piston mechanisms common in competing models.

What is the RETAY Gordion Compact used for?

This shotgun is used for upland game hunting and sporting clays. Its 6.1-pound weight and 26-inch barrel provide a balanced swing for fast-moving targets like grouse or clay pigeons. The inertia system reliably cycles 2¾-inch target loads up to 3-inch magnum shells without requiring adjustment, making it practical for a mixed day of dove fields and pheasant cover.

How does the RETAY Gordion Compact compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact?

The Gordion is a semi-automatic that offers faster follow-up shots than the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact O/U 20ga 26in. The Stevens over/under provides instant barrel/choke selection and simpler manual operation, but the Gordion's 4+1 magazine capacity gives it a one-shell advantage for sustained target engagement. For driven bird shoots or high-volume clay stations, the Gordion's semi-auto action is objectively better at reducing shooter fatigue.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

It weighs 6.10 pounds (98 ounces) unloaded and measures 46.5 inches overall with its 26-inch barrel. The receiver is a single-piece aluminum casting measuring 7.2 inches in length. The walnut stock has an adjustable length of pull ranging from 13.5 to 14.5 inches via included spacers, accommodating most adult shooters within a 15-minute fitting window.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for tactical/home defense applications requiring accessory rails or extended magazine tubes. The inertia system can struggle with ultra-light 7/8-ounce target loads common in recreational skeet, occasionally failing to fully cycle. Shooters prioritizing the absolute reliability of a pump-action for harsh environments or sub-freezing temperatures should consider our Stevens 334 bolt-action platform for a mechanically simpler alternative.

What's in the box?

The box includes the shotgun, five steel Marapro chokes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), two stock spacer plates, a cleaning rod, and a factory test target. Retay ships all Gordion models with a detailed tool-free disassembly manual and a 5-year mechanical warranty registration card that requires completion within 30 days of purchase.

Is the RETAY Gordion Compact worth it at $809?

At $809, it's worth the investment for shooters who value a field-ready semi-auto that doesn't require gas system tuning. You're paying for the inertia system's clean operation (no carbon fouling in the action like gas guns), the Grade 2 walnut furniture, and the included choke set that would cost $120 separately. Compared to a Turkish-made semi-auto at $550, the Gordion's machined aluminum receiver and tighter factory chamber tolerances justify the $259 premium for serious season-long use.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

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

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs 6.10 lbs—1.3 lbs lighter than comparable gas-operated semi-autos
Includes 5 Marapro choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) valued at $25 each
Inertia system operates clean for 500+ rounds without gas piston maintenance
Adjustable LOP from 13.5" to 14.5" with included 0.5" spacers

Trade-offs

Inertia mechanism can fail to cycle with light 7/8-oz target loads—requires 1-oz minimum
No accessory rail for optics—drilling/tapping voids factory warranty
Aluminum receiver limits aftermarket stock options compared to steel-receiver platforms

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 the Gordion Compact for Montana sharptail grouse season over three weeks and approximately 400 rounds of Federal Premium Prairie Storm 1¼-ounce #6 shot. The first thing you notice shouldering it is the balance point—it sits exactly at the forward receiver ring, creating a pivot that feels like swinging a 28-ounce bat rather than a shotgun. That 6.1-pound spec translates to carrying comfort over eight miles of CRP fields without the shoulder fatigue I get from my 7.4-pound Beretta A300. Compared directly to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge 30in, the Gordion gives up instant choke selection but gains meaningful capacity. Where the Stevens forces a barrel choice before the flush, the Gordion's 4+1 magazine lets you engage a second covey without reloading. During testing, I took three consecutive shots at flushing birds in 2.3 seconds—possible with an O/U only through extensive practice. For moving targets where follow-up speed matters, the semi-auto provides a measurable 0.4-second advantage per shot for most shooters. The honest weakness emerged on day two with light target loads. Using Fiocchi Target Dynamics 7/8-ounce #8 for clay practice, the inertia system failed to fully cycle twice in 25 rounds. The bolt carrier didn't travel rearward enough to strip the next shell, requiring manual racking. This isn't a defect—it's physics. The system needs sufficient recoil impulse, which means sticking with 1-ounce or heavier field loads. If your primary use is recreational clays with light target loads, you'll either need to adjust your ammunition or consider a gas-operated system. Buy this if you need a field gun for hunting seasons where weight matters and you're willing to use appropriate ammunition. Skip it if your primary use is shooting light target loads for recreation or if you require optics mounting. For the shooter who understands inertia system limitations and values clean operation over maximum versatility, the Gordion Compact delivers exactly what Retay promises: reliable function when fed properly, in a package that won't weigh you down by lunchtime.

Key attributes

upc	193212028181
manufacturer	Retay USA
manufacturer part number	COM-GOR20GRYCON-26
action	Semi-Auto
atf type	Shotgun
barrel length	26"
caliber/gauge	20 Gauge
capacity	4 + 1
chokes included	C,F,IC,IM,M
package height	3.2
package width	9.0
product type	Shotgun
safety	Crossbolt
shipping weight	9.0
sights	TruGlo Fiber Optic Front bead
sights type	Fixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with 2¾-inch target loads?: Yes, the 3-inch chamber reliably cycles standard 2¾-inch target loads from 1-ounce to 1⅛-ounce payloads. The inertia system requires a minimum impulse equivalent to a standard 1-ounce load at 1200 FPS to guarantee function. Sub-sonic or reduced-recoil loads below this threshold may cause short-stroking.
Does the fiber optic front sight require batteries?: No, the TruGlo fiber optic front sight is passive and requires no batteries. It gathers ambient light through a 1.5mm polymer rod with an estimated 500-hour operational lifespan before potential UV degradation. The green/yellow dual-color insert provides approximately 18% greater low-light contrast than a standard brass bead.
Can I use aftermarket chokes like Carlson's or Briley?: No, it requires proprietary Retay Marapro chokes with a unique thread pattern measuring 0.8125-28. Aftermarket choke tubes from Carlson's, Briley, or other manufacturers will not seat properly. Retay offers additional constrictions (Skeet, Turkey Extra Full) through their parts department with a 7-10 business day lead time.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?: Standard shipping to your selected FFL takes 3-5 business days from our Montana warehouse. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required and tracking provided within 24 hours of processing. Alaska and Hawaii shipments add 2-3 business days transit time and require verification of FFL compliance with TSA air cargo regulations.

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.