Retay Gordion Shotgun 20ga 26″ 4rd Bottomland Stock

About this product

The Retay Gordion 20ga 26" shotgun is a semi-automatic, inertia-driven hunting shotgun with adjustable ergonomics and removable chokes. It operates on one of the most mechanically clean action systems available today, requiring specific high-brass loads for reliable break-in but delivering exceptional long-term reliability once tuned. The $778.99 price point places it squarely in the competitive field of serious hunting shotguns, making direct comparison to alternatives like the over-under Stevens 555 20 Gauge critical for buyers judging value.

What is the Retay Gordion shotgun used for?

This shotgun is designed primarily for upland bird and small game hunting, where its 7.2-pound weight and 26-inch barrel provide a solid, swing-ready balance point. Its five-choke system (Skeet, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full) allows patterning from close-range brush work with #8 shot to longer-range waterfowl loads with #4 steel, though its 4+1 capacity under most state hunting regulations makes it unsuitable for high-volume target shooting or tactical roles.

How does the Retay Gordion compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?

The Gordion provides faster follow-up shots and simpler maintenance than the break-action Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge, but requires a much more specific break-in procedure. The inertia system in the Gordion allows for three shots in under 1.8 seconds with proper recoil management, while the Stevens 555 requires manually opening and closing the action between each barrel, adding roughly 0.7 seconds per shot cycle. However, the Stevens 555 name review offers instant choke and shot selection with its dual barrels, a critical advantage for mixed-field hunters encountering different game at varying distances in a single outing.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Gordion weighs 7.2 pounds (3.27 kg) unloaded and measures 46.5 inches overall with its 26-inch barrel. The buttstock length of pull adjusts from 14 inches to 15.25 inches via included shim kits, and drop at comb is fixed at 1.5 inches—this dimension is crucial for mounting optics or a red dot, which would require specialized high-rise mounts to achieve proper eye alignment.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for new shooters seeking a simple, low-recoil plinking gun or those primarily interested in high-volume clay sports. Its inertia system requires a minimum of 20 rounds of high-velocity 2¾-inch shells (specifically 1-ounce loads at 1250 fps or faster) to properly cycle during the initial 50-round break-in period, a process that can cost over $60 in ammunition before the gun will reliably cycle standard target loads. For a more versatile out-of-the-box clay gun, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26" O/U name, which handles a wider range of loads immediately.

What's in the box?

You receive the shotgun with the 26-inch barrel installed and choke tube wrench. The box includes five choke tubes (S, IC, M, IM, F), three stock adjustment shims to modify length of pull and cast, a 28-gram tube of synthetic firearm grease, and a manual detailing the critical 50-round break-in procedure with explicit ammunition specifications—ignore these and you will have cycling failures.

Is the Retay Gordion worth it at $778.99?

Yes, for the hunter who values an ultra-reliable, lightweight semi-auto that will perform in wet, muddy, or freezing conditions where gas systems can foul. This price buys you a mechanical system that requires cleaning only every 500-800 rounds, compared to a typical gas-operated semi-auto that needs a basic clean every 150-200 rounds to maintain reliability. For the shooter who meticulously follows the manual and intends to put 500+ shells a year through it during hunting seasons, this gun will work, and work cleanly, for a decade or more.