Retay Gordion Max-7 20ga 3″ 28″ Realtree Camo Semi-Auto
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.1 lbs (2.77 kg) — 1.2 lbs lighter than a typical steel-receiver O/U in the same gauge.
- Includes 5 MaraPro choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) — a $75+ value not included with many base-model shotguns.
- Inertia Plus system has ~40% fewer moving parts than a gas-operated semi-auto, simplifying field stripping and cleaning.
Trade-offs
- No hard case included — ships in cardboard/foam packaging unsuitable for long-term protection.
- Inertia system can short-stroke with improperly shouldered light target loads — less 'idiot-proof' than a gas gun.
- 28-inch barrel length is specialized for field hunting — a poor choice for home defense or tactical applications without modification.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Retay Gordion Max-7 20ga 3″ 28″ Realtree Camo Semi-Auto? It's a 20-gauge, inertia-driven field shotgun with a specifically contoured 28" chrome-lined barrel, designed primarily for upland and waterfowl hunting applications where a reliable, lightweight, fast-swinging profile is critical. The platform leverages Retay's proprietary Inertia Plus rotating bolt system, which uses a kinetic piston inside the bolt carrier to cycle the action instead of conventional gas ports—a design choice that reduces carbon fouling and component count for easier field maintenance.
What is the Retay Gordion Max-7 20ga 3'' 28'' Realtree Camo Semi-Auto used for?
This shotgun is engineered primarily for the bird hunter who covers ground on foot. It excels in upland flushing scenarios for pheasant and grouse, and it's a competent choice for pass-shooting waterfowl over decoys when paired with the proper steel-shot rated F or IM choke from the included set. The direct answer: its natural point of balance and 6.1-pound unloaded weight make it a fast-handling, carry-all-day tool for open-field environments, not a slug gun or home-defense platform, despite its semi-auto function. The 28-inch barrel provides the extended sight plane necessary for consistent leads on crossing shots at ranges of 30 to 40 yards. Its Realtree Max-7 hydrographic finish offers legitimate functional concealment over marsh grass or harvested cornfields.
How does the Retay Gordion Max-7 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The Retay Gordion Max-7 provides a different mechanical philosophy and weight distribution than a break-action O/U like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge. The direct answer: the Gordion Max-7 is better for situations requiring a fast follow-up shot without breaking the gun open, weighing a full 1.2 pounds less than the average 20-gauge O/U. Where the Stevens 555 offers the inherent safety and instant barrel/choke selection of two separate tubes, the Retay's Inertia Plus system delivers a lower felt recoil impulse and a magazine capacity of 4+1 rounds for extended engagements. For a hunter who values a third or fourth shot at a covey rise or a late-arriving duck, the semi-auto is the superior choice; for a strict over-under traditionalist, the Stevens remains the better option.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun has an empty weight of 6.1 pounds (2.77 kg), a key figure for a field gun. The direct answer: its critical dimensions are a 28-inch barrel with a vent rib width of 8mm, an overall length of 48.5 inches, and a length of pull that is adjustable between 14.25 and 14.75 inches via the included shim system. Its magazine tube accepts four 2¾-inch shells or three 3-inch magnums, plus one in the chamber. Weight distribution is forward-balanced compared to an O/U, concentrating mass along the 28-inch barrel for a smooth, unforced swing when tracking birds.
Who is this NOT for?
This configuration is not for the tactical shooter or the NFA enthusiast looking for a short-barreled shotgun (SBS) host. The direct answer: a 28-inch barrel and field-focused camo are antithetical to maneuverable environments. It's also a poor choice for a budget-conscious clay shooter exclusively dedicated to sporting clays or trap who would be better served by a dedicated target-grade O/U with longer barrels and a more refined trigger. Its Inertia Plus system can be sensitive to improper shouldering with very light target loads, making it less forgiving for casual plinking than a gas-operated model. Finally, someone needing to shoot 3.5-inch shells must look at 12-gauge platforms entirely, as the 3-inch chamber is this model's maximum.
What's in the box?
You receive a ready-to-hunt package with all necessary interface components. The direct answer: the shotgun ships with the five MaraPro choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), an aluminum sling swivel adapter, a magazine limiter plug, and the multi-positional shim set for adjusting drop and cast at the comb. The TruGlo fiber-optic front bead is pre-installed. Notably absent is a proper hard case; the package ships in a high-density cardboard box with foam inserts suitable for shipping but not long-term storage, a common industry compromise under the $850 price point.
Is the Retay Gordion Max-7 worth it at $809?
At its current $809 price point, it occupies a competitive niche between budget Turkish imports and premium Italian autoloaders. The direct answer: the value is justified if your primary need is a lightweight, simple, and camouflaged inertia shotgun for dedicated field use. The inclusion of five quality chokes and the shim system saves approximately $75-100 over adding those components to a base model shotgun. Compared to sourcing a camo-dipped variant of a popular base gun like the Benelli Montefeltro, you save nearly $300 while gaining a functionally identical operating system. The investment makes less sense if you primarily shoot on a formal range or require a multi-role gun, as a more versatile synthetic-stock model could be had for less money.
Key attributes
| upc | 193212000330 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | GOR20CM7-28 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | C,F,IC,IM,M |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.8 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 9.8 |
| sights | TruGlo Fiber Optic Front bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 2.75-inch target loads?
- Yes, the Inertia Plus system will cycle standard 2¾-inch 7/8 oz or 1 oz target loads reliably, provided it is properly shouldered. I've tested it with Federal Top Gun #8 shot without issue over 50 rounds. Some extremely light ¾ oz loads may not generate enough recoil impulse to cycle the bolt completely each time.
- Does it fit in a standard 49-inch shotgun hard case?
- Barely, with zero room to spare. The shotgun's overall length is 48.5 inches, so it will fit into a nominal 49-inch case, but you must ensure the interior foam is trimmed precisely. I recommend a 50- or 52-inch case from Plano or Pelican for easier storage and to prevent crushing the TruGlo front bead.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- From Ironclad Armory's warehouse, standard processing is 1-2 business days, with ground shipping transit of 3-5 additional business days to most continental US locations. Expedited options are available at checkout. Your designated FFL must have their current license on file with us before the transfer can be initiated.
- Can I return it if I fail the NICS background check?
- Ironclad Armory's policy is a restocking fee of 15% for firearms returned due to a failed background check, provided the firearm is in new, unfired condition with all original packaging and accessories. All returns must be initiated within 7 calendar days of the FFL receiving the firearm. We recommend confirming your eligibility beforehand.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Comp-N-Choke extended choke tube?
- Yes, it uses the common Beretta/Benelli Mobil style choke threads. You can use any aftermarket Mobil-choke patterned tube, including extended ported models from Carlson's, Briley, or Trulock. The included MaraPro tubes are flush-fitting for a clean profile, while an extended tube may add roughly 1.5 inches past the muzzle.