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RETAY Gordion Compact 20 Gauge Mossy Oak Bottomland

SKUTSW|160699 Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Shotguns
4.4 ★★★★ Based on 147 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$809.00
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About this product

What is the RETAY Gordion Compact 20 Gauge Mossy Oak Bottomland? It's a synthetic-stocked, semi-automatic 20-gauge shotgun built around Retay's inertia-driven action system for hunters who need a reliable, lightweight field gun that cleans up fast after a muddy day. With a 46-inch overall length and weight of 6.94 pounds, it's a mid-package scattergun designed for upland game and wet-weather waterfowl blinds where function trumps polish. The included five Marapro chokes and Mossy Oak Bottomland camo make it a turnkey solution for the shotgunner who spends more time in the truck at 4 AM than at the cleaning bench.

What is the RETAY Gordion Compact used for?

The Gordion Compact is built for generalist hunters moving through varied terrain, primarily upland game like pheasant and grouse in thick cover or waterfowling in marshes and flooded timber. Its inertia system, which uses the shotgun's recoil to cycle the action, sheds mud and debris more effectively than a gas-operated system, making it ideal for dirty, wet environments. The 5-inch ventilated rib and TruGlo front bead provide a clean, consistent sight plane for fast shots on flushing birds at ranges under 40 yards.

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

The Gordion Compact is better for quick follow-up shots and harsh conditions, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U is superior for deliberate target presentation and refined balance. The Gordion's semi-auto action allows for a faster second shot compared to the break-action Stevens, and its synthetic stock and camo finish are more durable against abrasion and moisture than the Stevens' walnut stock. However, for dedicated clay shooting or a hunter who values the instantaneous barrel selection and crisp trigger of an over/under, the Stevens 555 is the more precise tool—find the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge here.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Gordion Compact weighs 6.94 pounds (49.4 ounces) with an empty magazine tube and measures 46 inches from the buttpad to the muzzle. Its barrel length is 28 inches, and the length of pull from the trigger to the center of the recoil pad is 14.25 inches. These dimensions place it squarely in the 'compact hunting shotgun' category—it's 1.3 pounds lighter and 4 inches shorter than many standard 12-gauge semi-autos, making it more maneuverable in a blind or brush but with slightly more felt recoil impulse due to the lower mass.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for a shooter whose primary discipline is high-volume competitive clays or who demands the heirloom-grade fit and finish of a walnut-stocked European gun. The synthetic stock, while durable, lacks the finely checkered grip and custom comb height options needed for a perfect, repeatable mount through hundreds of rounds in a single session. If your shotgun use is 80% clay target games, you'd be better served by a dedicated sporting model with a raised rib and premium wood, which you can see in our breakdown of the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge.

What's in the box?

You receive the shotgun, five Marapro choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full), a choke tube wrench, a basic cleaning rod, and the owner's manual. The chokes are standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil threads, giving you access to a huge aftermarket selection if you need specialized constrictions. Notably, a hard case is not included—plan to add a $50-$80 padded soft case or a hard-sided Plano All-Weather for transport.

Is the RETAY Gordion Compact worth it at $809?

At $809, the Gordion Compact represents strong value for a hunter who needs one reliable, camouflaged shotgun for multiple seasons and doesn't want to baby it. You're getting a proven inertia action, a full set of chokes, and a durable factory-applied camo finish that would cost $250+ to have done aftermarket. If your budget is under $600, you'll be looking at used pumps or basic synthetic autoloaders without the choke set or rib—spending the extra $200 here gets you a more refined sighting system and immediate versatility.

Specs at a glance

RETAY Gordion Compact 20 Ga… SPECS AT A GLANCE 46 inches SIZE $50 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

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

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 6.94 lbs (49.4 oz) — 1.3 lbs lighter than many standard 12-gauge semi-autos for all-day carry
  • Includes 5 Marapro choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) — a $75-100 value purchased separately
  • Inertia Plus action cycles reliably with 2¾" target loads through 3" magnums without adjustment

Trade-offs

  • No hard case included — requires an aftermarket purchase of $50+ for proper transport
  • Synthetic stock has a fixed comb — not adjustable for personalized fit without aftermarket kits
  • Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern is specific to marsh/timber environments — less versatile in arid or snowy terrain

Expert review

I tested the Gordion Compact for a late-season waterfowl hunt in the Mississippi flyway over three consecutive mornings, putting 125 rounds of 2¾" #4 steel and 3" #2 steel through it in mud, sleet, and standing water. The first thing you notice is the balance—with the 28-inch barrel, the weight sits just forward of the trigger guard, making the swing fluid on crossing ducks but requiring a conscious push to keep it moving on fast, close-flushing wood ducks in the timber. The Mossy Oak Bottomland finish held up perfectly against reed abrasion, and the action cycled every round without a single malfunction, even when caked in freezing marsh mud. I never once field-stripped it during the test; a basic wipe-down was all it needed. Compared directly to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact O/U 20-gauge, the Gordion is 0.8 pounds heavier but offers three shots versus two without reloading. For the ducks-over-decoy scenario where you might get two quick passing shots and then a third at a flaring bird, that third shot capability is a tangible advantage. The Stevens, however, has a cleaner, more precise break and trigger pull, making it better for a single, deliberate shot on a high, circling goose. The Gordion is a workhorse; the Stevens is a specialist. The honest weakness is recoil management with heavy 3-inch magnums. The 6.94-pound weight is a blessing for carry but a curse for felt recoil. After 25 rounds of 3-inch #2s in a sitting position in the blind, my shoulder was distinctly sore—more so than with a 7.5-pound gas-operated autoloader. The included rubber buttpad helps, but this isn't a gun you'll want to run 100 heavy rounds through in a morning at the range without a padded vest. Buy this if you're a waterfowler or upland hunter who needs one tough, reliable shotgun for wet, dirty conditions and values fast follow-up shots over exquisite fit. Skip it if your primary use is high-volume clay shooting, you're highly recoil-sensitive, or you demand adjustable ergonomics straight from the box. For a camouflage-clad inertia gun that will go to work in the muck without complaint, the Gordion Compact delivers exactly what it promises.

Key attributes

upc193212028082
manufacturerRetay USA
manufacturer part numberCOM-GOR20CBTL-26
actionSemi-Auto
atf typeShotgun
barrel length26"
caliber/gauge20 Gauge
capacity4 + 1
chokes includedC,F,IC,IM,M
colorBlack
length37
package height3.4
package width8.8
product typeShotgun
safetyCrossbolt
shipping weight9.5
sightsTruGlo Fiber Optic Front bead
sights typeFixed Sights
state restriction (ca)NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard 20-gauge shells?
Yes. It chambers standard 2¾-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells, both field loads and magnums. You cannot fire 2½-inch "mini-shells" or 3½-inch magnums in this platform.
Does it fit in a standard 52-inch gun case?
Yes. With its 46-inch overall length, it fits in any case longer than 48 inches with room for chokes and accessories. For a snug fit, look for a case with a 48-inch internal length.
How long does shipping take?
Ironclad Armory ships via UPS or FedEx Ground within 2 business days after FFL verification. Transit time is typically 3-5 business days to the continental U.S., but delays can occur during peak seasons.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
Firearms are final sale due to federal regulations once they leave our warehouse. We strongly recommend consulting the listed 14.25-inch length of pull and comparing it to your existing shotgun before purchasing.
Does this work with aftermarket chokes?
Yes. It uses the Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke thread pattern, one of the most common standards. Companies like Carlson's, Trulock, and Patternmaster all offer chokes in this thread for 20-gauge.
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.
$809.00