Retay Gordion 12 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun, 28-inch Barrel
About this product
The Retay Gordion 12 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun with a 28-inch barrel is a lightweight, inertia-driven field shotgun engineered for consistent cycling across hunting and sporting applications. It leverages Retay's proprietary Inertia Plus bolt system housed in a single-piece alloy receiver to reduce felt recoil by approximately 15% compared to standard gas-operated designs. The package is configured explicitly for right-handed shooters and includes five MaraPro choke tubes for tactical pattern control.
What is the Retay Gordion 12 Gauge used for?
The Gordion is built for waterfowl hunting, upland game pursuits, and informal clay target shooting, where its 28-inch deep-bore drilled barrel optimizes shot string density. The inertia operating system maintains reliability with 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells without manual gas adjustment, a critical feature when switching between heavy waterfowl loads and light target loads in a single session. The fixed black synthetic stock and 6.94-pound unloaded weight make it maneuverable for extended carries in the field.
How does the Retay Gordion compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Gordion is better for shooters who prioritize weight and low-maintenance operation, weighing 6.94 pounds compared to the 7.5-pound average of an over/under like the Stevens 555 Sporting 12 Gauge. The Stevens 555 offers immediate two-shot barrel selection and potentially tighter point-of-impact consistency for formal trap/skeet, but the Gordion’s 4+1 magazine capacity and faster reload capability make it superior for high-volume waterfowl hunts or follow-up shots on flushing birds.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Gordion has an unloaded weight of 6.94 pounds (1,145 grams) and an overall length of 48.5 inches with the 28-inch barrel installed. With a 1.5-inch drop at the comb and a 14.25-inch length of pull, the stock geometry suits average adult builds without modification. The single-piece alloy receiver contributes to the balanced weight distribution, keeping the center of gravity directly under the shooter's forward hand on the 28-inch barrel.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for left-handed shooters, as the ejection port and all controls are configured exclusively for right-hand operation. It's also a poor choice for home defense or tactical applications, where the 48.5-inch overall length becomes unwieldy indoors and the 4+1 capacity is limiting. Competitive trap shooters requiring a dedicated, precise point-of-impact may find the synthetic stock and inertia system less ideal than a heavy, regulated over/under like the Stevens 555.
What's in the box?
The Gordion ships with the assembled shotgun, five MaraPro choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), two swivel studs installed on the stock, and an owner's manual covering disassembly. Notably absent are aftermarket recoil pads, sling attachments, or a hard case—expect basic functional packaging. The fiber optic front sight is pre-installed and requires no zeroing for field use.
Is the Retay Gordion worth it at $729?
At $729, the Gordion delivers significant value for hunters who need a lightweight, reliable semi-auto that cycles across load types without adjustment. Compared to Turkish-made inertia shotguns at the $500-$600 mark, the Retay's Inertia Plus bolt and deep-bore drilling justify the $150-$200 premium for pattern consistency. However, for clay-specific shooters, investing that same $729 in a used Beretta A300 or a new Stevens 555 may yield better long-term satisfaction.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.94 lbs — 0.8 lbs lighter than a comparable Beretta A300 Outlander with a 28-inch barrel.
- Includes 5 MaraPro choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) for immediate pattern control across hunting scenarios.
- Inertia Plus system cycles both 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells without manual gas adjustment—ideal for mixed-load days.
- Deep-bore drilled 28-inch barrel increases shot pattern density by an estimated 10% over standard bored barrels.
Trade-offs
- Right-hand only configuration — left-handed shooters cannot safely operate the crossbolt safety or avoid ejected brass.
- No included hard case or sling — adds $75-$150 for proper field transport and protection.
- Fixed synthetic stock cannot be adjusted for length of pull or comb height, limiting custom fit for non-average builds.
- 4+1 capacity is standard but limiting for high-volume hunts compared to magazine-extended competitors.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 193212022998 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | GORBLK-28 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | C,F,IC,IM,M |
| color | Black |
| length | 37 |
| model | Gordion |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.8 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 10.45 |
| sights | TruGlo Fiber Optic Front bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Retay Gordion compatible with standard RemChoke tubes?
- No, the Gordion requires proprietary Retay MaraPro choke tubes, which use a distinct thread pattern and taper incompatible with Remington, Beretta, or Browning choke systems. Retay offers six constriction options directly through their website, with prices starting at $34.99 per tube. Always verify the thread marking on your barrel before purchasing additional chokes.
- Does the shotgun fit in a standard 50-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, with the 28-inch barrel installed, the Gordion's 48.5-inch overall length fits comfortably in any universal 50-inch soft or hard case. For added protection during transport, consider a case with at least 2 inches of padding, like those from Plano or Boyt. Disassembly is not required for storage in a standard-length case.
- How long does shipping take for an online-only firearm?
- Shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-7 business days after order verification and compliance checks. All shipments from Ironclad Armory require a signed copy of the dealer's license before processing, which can add 24-48 hours. You will receive tracking information via email once the carrier picks up the package.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle my target loads?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on functioning firearms due to federal regulations; all sales are final once transferred. We recommend testing a box of 2¾-inch, 1⅛-ounce target loads at 1,200 fps minimum to verify cycling. If you experience persistent malfunctions, contact Retay USA directly for warranty service, which includes a 5-year manufacturer warranty on the action and barrel.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Cremator choke for waterfowl?
- No, Carlson's chokes are threaded for specific makes like Benelli, Beretta, and Browning; they are not compatible with Retay's MaraPro system. For similar performance, Retay offers their own "Waterfowl Extended" choke in Full and Modified constrictions, which extends 1.5 inches past the muzzle for improved pattern density at 40+ yards.