Retay Gordion 12ga 26″ Semi-Auto Black Synthetic
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Retay Gordion 12ga 26″ Semi-Auto Black Synthetic? The Retay Gordion is a factory-standard 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun built around an inertia-operated action, designed for hunters and clay shooters who prioritize mechanical simplicity and reliability in wet, cold, or dirty conditions. This 26-inch barreled model ships with a full five-choke set and a black synthetic stock, positioned directly in the value-focused segment of the inertia-driven market. The action's core function eliminates gas ports and pistons, reducing one major point of carbon fouling and field maintenance.
What is the Retay Gordion 12ga 26″ Semi-Auto used for?
This shotgun is built for upland bird, waterfowl, and turkey hunting where reliability in adverse weather is non-negotiable. The inertia system cycles consistently whether the action is clean, muddy, or firing light 2¾-inch target loads, making it a practical field gun. Its 26-inch barrel with a ventilated rib and fiber-optic front sight provides a 66.04 cm sighting plane that balances well for walking shots and quick mounting, while the five included chokes allow patterning from tight turkey to open skeet.
How does the Retay Gordion compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Gordion’s inertia semi-auto action is mechanically superior for rapid follow-up shots and handling high-volume, dirty shooting sessions where a break-action would be slower to reload. Where the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U offers two precise, fixed chokes and classic handling, the Gordion provides a 4+1 capacity and faster cycling, trading some balance and heritage aesthetics for pure utility and shell capacity in the field. For a waterfowl blind or a long day chasing pheasants, the Gordion’s action is the better tool; for disciplined clay sports, the Stevens’s fixed regulation and break-open reliability have the edge.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded and without optics, the Gordion weighs 6.8 pounds (3.08 kg), with a total length of 47.5 inches (120.65 cm) from buttpad to muzzle. The 26-inch (660.4 mm) chrome-lined barrel has a deep, back-bored internal diameter to reduce felt recoil and improve pattern consistency, while the black synthetic stock has a 14.25-inch length of pull. The receiver is milled from aluminum, contributing to the overall weight distribution that keeps the center of gravity between the hands for intuitive swing.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not the shotgun for a shooter seeking a lightweight, ultra-fast-handling upland specialist or someone dedicated solely to NFA-regulated configurations. At nearly 7 pounds, it’s over a pound heavier than dedicated brush guns like the Franchi Affinity, and its 26-inch barrel and synthetic stock make it a poor candidate for cutting down into a Title II short-barreled shotgun (SBS) without significant gunsmithing and tax stamp paperwork. If your primary use is tight-quarters home defense or you demand a sub-6-pound walkabout gun, look elsewhere.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, five MaraPro choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and the owner's manual detailing disassembly for the Inertia Plus System. Unlike some competitors, Retay does not include a branded hard case; the gun ships in a cardboard carton with foam inserts. The chokes are thread-sealed and numbered, allowing quick changes in the field without tools beyond the provided wrench.
Is the Retay Gordion worth it at $729?
At $729, the Gordion undercuts most inertia-system competitors by $150-$300 while delivering a proven action, a chrome-lined barrel, and a full choke set. You’re paying for a workhorse mechanical system, not fine wood or laser engraving, which makes it a high-value tool for a hunter who will use it hard. The investment is justified if you need a reliable, low-maintenance 12-gauge that will cycle 2¾-inch light loads and 3-inch magnums interchangeably without adjustment—something gas-operated guns often struggle with consistently.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Inertia Plus System cycles 2¾" target loads to 3" magnums without adjustment – eliminates gas-port tuning.
- Includes 5 MaraPro choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) – a $75-100 value compared to buying separately.
- Chrome-lined, deep-bore 26" barrel resists corrosion and reduces perceived recoil by approximately 15%.
- Weighs 6.8 lbs unloaded – balances point of impact between hands for fast, intuitive mounting.
Trade-offs
- Synthetic stock has a glossy, hard texture that lacks positive grip when wet – requires aftermarket tape or stippling for secure handling.
- Cross-bolt safety is stiff out of the box and positioned forward of the trigger guard – slower to manipulate than a tang-mounted safety.
- No included hard case – ships in cardboard/foam only, necessitating an immediate $50-100 investment for proper storage.
Key attributes
| upc | 193212022912 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | GORBLK-26 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | C,F,IC,IM,M |
| color | Black |
| length | 37 |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.8 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 9.95 |
| sights | TruGlo Fiber Optic Front bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses the proprietary Retay MaraPro choke tube threading. While some aftermarket brands like Carlson's may offer compatible tubes, you must confirm they are threaded for the Retay Mara system specifically; standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes will not fit. The included five-tube set covers all standard constrictions from Cylinder to Full.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch rifle case?
- No. With an overall length of 47.5 inches, it will fit in most cases marketed for 'shotguns' or 'scoped rifles,' but a standard 52-inch takedown case will leave insufficient padding at the ends. I recommend a dedicated 48-inch or longer shotgun case with thick foam, like those from Plano or Pelican, for proper transport and storage.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships most in-stock firearms within 1-2 business days via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required. Transit time to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder is typically 3-7 business days, depending on your location. You must contact your FFL in advance to provide your shipping notification and arrange the 4473 background check transfer.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Yes, but all returns for mechanical defects must go through Retay's direct warranty service, not Ironclad Armory. Retay provides a limited 5-year warranty on the action and barrel; you must contact their U.S. service center in Minnesota for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number before shipping. Do not attempt to disassemble the inertia spring assembly yourself, as that voids the warranty.
- Does this work with a Magpul SGA stock?
- No. The Gordion's receiver is designed for its proprietary synthetic stock with integrated recoil system; the Magpul SGA stock is engineered for Remington 870 and Mossberg 500/590 pump-action shotguns. Attempting to fit an aftermarket stock would require significant modification and likely violate warranty terms, as the inertia drive system is housed within the stock's recoil pad assembly.