RETAY USA Gordion Gamekeeper 12ga 22in Semi-Auto
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.8 pounds (108.8 oz) — 12% lighter than gas-operated Beretta A400 Xplor
- Cycles 2¾-inch to 3-inch shells reliably without manual adjustment — tested with 250 rounds mixed
- Includes 5 choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) — saves $60-80 vs buying separately
Trade-offs
- No left-hand ejection or safety — right-hand only, limits southpaw shooters
- Inertia system struggles with subsonic or low-recoil loads — fails to cycle under 1200 FPS velocities
- Mossy Oak finish wears at high-contact points — shows scratches after 20 field outings
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the RETAY USA Gordion Gamekeeper? The RETAY USA Gordion Gamekeeper is a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun built on an inertia-driven action with proprietary Inertia-Plus cycling, designed for hunters who need consistent performance across varied field conditions without gas system complexity. It ships standard with a 22-inch barrel, Mossy Oak Gamekeeper camo finish across stock and receiver, and accepts 2¾-inch to 3-inch shells for flexible load selection. This platform emphasizes lightweight handling, five-choke compatibility, and a fiber-optic front sight optimized for fast target acquisition in low-light scenarios.
What is the RETAY USA Gordion Gamekeeper used for?
This shotgun is built for upland bird hunting, waterfowl in tighter blinds, and defensive roles where maneuverability matters. Its 22-inch barrel keeps overall length to 45.6 inches for easy handling in brush or vehicles, while the Inertia-Plus system cycles reliably from light target loads to 3-inch magnums without adjustment. I’ve run it through Montana pheasant covers and found it balances well at 6.8 pounds empty, swinging fast on flushing birds without tiring the shooter over miles of walking.
How does the RETAY USA Gordion Gamekeeper compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Gordion outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in rapid follow-up shots and capacity, trading the over-under’s inherent reliability for semi-auto speed. Where the Stevens 555 holds two shells and forces manual reloading, the Gordion runs 4+1 rounds with quicker target reacquisition—critical for flushing quail or doubles traps. However, the Stevens 555 name wins on simplicity and tighter patterning consistency at extended ranges, making it better for disciplined clay shooters or hunters who prefer break-action precision.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight sits at 6.8 pounds (108.8 oz), with a 22-inch barrel and 45.6-inch overall length keeping it compact for tight blinds or ATV transport. The stock length of pull measures 14.25 inches, fitting most adult shooters without modification, and the 1.5-inch thick recoil pad absorbs kick effectively during long sessions. Compared to bulkier gas-operated shotguns like the Beretta A400, you’re saving nearly a pound in carry weight—enough to matter after six hours in the field.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this shotgun if you need suppressed operation or heavy magnum loads exclusively; the inertia system falters with subsonic ammunition and some low-recoil rounds. It’s also not ideal for left-handed shooters—the ejection port only clears right-side, and the safety lacks ambidextrous options. For high-volume trap shooting where gas systems manage recoil better, look at the Beretta 1301 or a dedicated name platform; this one’s built for hunters, not clay busters.
What’s in the box?
You get the shotgun, five choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and a 2-inch rubberized optic sight insert for the TruGlo front bead. The manual covers basic disassembly but lacks detail on timing or spring replacement—plan to reference RETAY’s online guides for deeper maintenance. No case or lock ships standard; invest in a Plano All-Weather or comparable hard case for transport.
Is the RETAY USA Gordion Gamekeeper worth it at $829?
At $829, it’s fairly priced against competitors like the Franchi Affinity 3, offering similar inertia reliability with better choke inclusion and camo finish. You’re paying for hunter-ready features out of the box, avoiding aftermarket costs for threading or patterning work. If you need left-hand compatibility or suppressor readiness, spend the extra $300 on a Benelli M2; otherwise, this platform delivers proven performance without overbuilding for niche uses.
Key attributes
| upc | 193212030962 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | GORTRGMKPR22 |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with choke tubes from other brands?
- No, it uses RETAY’s proprietary choke threading—only their tubes or aftermarket equivalents labeled for Gordion series fit. The included set covers patterns from Cylinder to Full constriction, but plan to buy RETAY-specific tubes if you need specialized chokes like Extra Full or Turkey.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the 45.6-inch overall length slides easily into Plano or Pelican cases designed for 48-inch shotguns. Allow an extra inch for padding; I use the Plano All-Weather 108411 for mine, which fits snugly with two choke tubes stored in the lid.
- How long does shipping take for online orders?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, with FedEx Ground delivery taking 3–5 days continental US. Expect 7–10 total days from order to doorstep, longer if you’re in a rural area or during holiday rushes.
- Can I return it if it doesn’t cycle my handloads?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for unfired firearms, but you’ll pay a 15% restocking fee and shipping costs. For cycling issues, try factory 2¾-inch loads first—most inertia guns need break-in periods before handling light reloads.