RETAY USA Gordion 12 GA 28″ Mossy Oak Bottomland

About this product

The RETAY USA Gordion 12 GA 28″ Mossy Oak Bottomland is a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun built around an inertia-driven action for hunters prioritizing reliability in wet, foul conditions. This model delivers a specific combination of mechanical simplicity and weather-ready camouflage that sets it apart from gas-operated alternatives in its price bracket. It's a tool-built for the marsh, not the safe queen, and its performance reflects that orientation.

What is the RETAY USA Gordion used for?

The Gordion is a waterfowl and upland bird hunting shotgun, period. Its core design purpose is to cycle 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells reliably in cold, rain, and mud where gas systems can gum up. The 28-inch deep-bore barrel and included 5 MaraPro choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full) provide the pattern options needed for pass shooting at ducks or a flushing pheasant. The Mossy Oak Bottomland finish is purpose-built for concealment in reeds and timber, not for show.

How does the Gordion compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

The Gordion delivers higher magazine capacity and faster follow-up shots, while the Stevens 555 Sporting offers superior pointability and instant barrel/choke selection. For a waterfowler facing a full-limit day, the Gordion's 4+1 capacity is a tangible advantage over a traditional over/under's 2-round limit. However, for a disciplined wingshooter or sporting clays participant who values immediate barrel selection and a crisper break, the twin-trigger system of the Stevens is objectively better. The Gordion wins on volume of fire; the Stevens wins on finesse and precision.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, the Gordion weighs exactly 6.94 pounds (3.15 kg), significantly lighter than many gas-operated 12-gauges. Its overall length of 48.875 inches is dictated by the 28-inch barrel, and its synthetic stock has a length of pull standardized at 14.375 inches—a common dimension that fits most adult shooters without modification. The 73mm (2.87-inch) deep-bore, chrome-lined barrel contributes to its handling, creating a forward balance point approximately 17.5 inches from the receiver for a smooth swing.

Who is this NOT for?

The Gordion is not for a shooter seeking a soft-shooting gas system or a do-it-all home defense gun. The inertia action transfers more felt recoil directly to the shoulder compared to a well-tuned gas gun like a Beretta A300. Its 28-inch barrel and 4+1 capacity also make it cumbersome and over-specialized for close-quarters use. Furthermore, if your primary quarry is turkey and your standard is a dedicated, shorter-barreled, fully camouflaged turkey gun with a tighter choke, this is a compromise. Consider a dedicated platform like the Stevens 334 rifle for larger game instead of trying to make one shotgun do everything.

What's in the box?

You receive a complete, ready-to-hunt system: the shotgun itself, 5 MaraPro choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F), thread protectors, a fitted high-impact polymer hard case with foam inserts, an accessory kit containing a cleaning rod, brush, and oil, and the required owner's manual and warranty card. Unlike many competitors, RETAY includes the case at this price point—a value-add of approximately $75-$100. The chokes are shipped hand-tight in the threads; always use a proper choke tube wrench to seat them to 15-20 inch-pounds of torque.

Is the Gordion worth it at $809?

At $809, the Gordion offers exceptional value for a hunter who needs a foul-weather-specific tool and understands the trade-offs of an inertia system. You are paying for a reliable mechanical action, a proven camouflage finish, and a complete kit, not for fancy wood or excessive ornamentation. Compared to spending $1,200+ for a comparable Beretta or Benelli with similar corrosion resistance, the Gordion gets you 95% of the field performance for 65% of the cost. The investment is justified if your season involves waders, a blind, and shells that will get wet.