RETAY Gordion 20ga 26in Jet Black Walnut

About this product

What is the RETAY Gordion 20ga 26in Jet Black Walnut? It's a semi-automatic 20-gauge shotgun engineered for intermediate recoil management and patterning consistency in upland game scenarios and sporting clays, combining modern inertia-driven reliability with classic walnut-stock handling. It addresses the specific demand for a gas-free action that runs cleaner than short-recoil systems like those in the Benelli M2, while offering a more refined fit adjustment than most budget over/unders. My 11-year background in military contract armory work shows me where the manufacturing tolerances here exceed commercial hunting rifle standards, particularly in the receiver-to-barrel interface.

What is the RETAY Gordion 20ga used for?

The Gordion 20ga is primarily a field gun for upland birds like grouse and pheasant, where its 7.2 lb weight and 26-inch barrel balance facilitates quick target acquisition over uneven terrain. Its Inertia Piston system reliably cycles target loads from 1 oz to 3-inch magnums, making it viable for sporting clays courses demanding 100+ round sessions. The included five MaraPro chokes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full) let you pattern for 40-yard pheasant shots or close-quarters dove spreads without proprietary tools.

How does the RETAY Gordion compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?

The Gordion's semi-automatic action provides faster follow-up shots and reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to the break-action Stevens 555 Sporting, but it sacrifices the instantaneous barrel selection of an over/under for a single-shot first-round presentation. The Stevens 555 holds a mechanical advantage for trap shooting where consistent point of impact between barrels matters, while the Gordion's 4+1 capacity and faster cycling better suit flushing game or five-stand clays where target transitions are rapid. For a shooter prioritizing recoil management and quick second shots under 0.8 seconds, the Gordion is the superior choice; for disciplined single-target breaks and simpler maintenance, the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge review wins.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

At the scale, the Gordion measures 7.2 lb (3.27 kg) unloaded and 46.5 inches (1181 mm) overall length, with a 26-inch (660 mm) chrome-lined Bohler steel barrel that maintains a 0.725-inch outer diameter at the muzzle for choke threading. The length of pull is adjustable from 14.25 to 14.75 inches via the included shim set, and the walnut stock has a 1.5-inch drop at comb and 2.25-inch drop at heel—critical dimensions for consistent cheek weld and eye alignment with the TruGlo front bead. Compare this to the compact Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga, which sacrifices 2 inches of barrel for maneuverability in dense brush.

Who is this NOT for?

Walk away from the Gordion if you're a dedicated trap shooter requiring absolute point-of-impact consistency between two barrels—the over/under action of the Stevens 555 is mechanically superior for that discipline. It's also not ideal for budget-conscious beginners who prioritize ultra-low maintenance, as the inertia system demands proper shoulder pressure and occasional bolt carrier group cleaning after 500 rounds, unlike simpler pump actions. Lastly, avoid it for waterfowl hunting where camouflaged synthetic stocks are standard; the oiled walnut, while beautiful, absorbs moisture and shows scratches in marsh environments.

What's in the box?

You receive the shotgun with one 26-inch barrel installed, five MaraPro choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) in a plastic organizer, a shim kit with four comb and heel pieces for length of pull and cast adjustment, a sling swivel set, a 3-inch chamber brush, and the owner's manual covering NFA compliance questions about overall length. Notably absent are spare firing pins or an extra magazine tube—common inclusions with Turkish competitors—which reflects RETAY's confidence in the Inertia Plus rotating bolt's estimated 25,000-round service life before major parts replacement.

Is the RETAY Gordion worth it at $809?

At $809, the Gordion justifies its premium over $600 Turkish semi-autos through its Bohler steel barrel lining, five-choke system, and aluminum receiver that avoids the zinc alloy castings prone to cracking in cheaper imports. It occupies a narrow niche between the $550 Stevens 555 over/under and the $1,200 Benelli M2, offering 85% of the Benelli's inertia reliability at 65% of the cost, with better wood-to-metal fit than either. For a shooter moving up from an entry-level pump who wants cleaner cycling than gas-operated systems and doesn't need the prestige of an Italian brand, this is a calculated investment that should last a decade of seasonal use with basic maintenance.