Retay ACE Review: A Semi-Auto That Works

Ready for a shotgun that just works? The Retay ACE shows off its dependable action, comfortable design and advanced features.

Retay made its mark in the U.S. with its Masai Mara, an inertia semi-auto that was as beautiful to look at as it was to shoot. The Masai Mara was Retay’s top-of-the-line shotgun, and the Gordion, a nice knockoff of the Benelli M2, was their entry-level shotgun. The new ACE series, which includes an ACE and ACE-R, fits in between.

Retay is not a household shotgun brand name, but that is rapidly changing here in the U.S. Like many shotgun manufacturers in Turkey, the same year the Benelli patent expired to make Benelli-like shotguns, which was 2006, Retay was founded. My overall experience with a variety of different Built-in-Turkey Benelli-esque inertia guns is that most are fair to good. The Retay, however, is outstanding. Retay shotguns are well-made, look good, and in my experience outperform the run-of-the-mill Turk-enelli clones.

When I first picked up the Retay ACE, I noticed how lithe it was. The forend is thin and the gun balance is between your hands. Shouldering and swinging the ACE was smooth and easy. I closed my eyes and shouldered the ACE. When I opened my eyes, I was perfectly aligned with the vent rib and red fiber optic bead. I had a good feeling with the ACE. Once I started busting clays, the ACE became addictive.

Retay ACE Specs

Action: Inertia semiuato
Chambering: 3-inch, 20-gauge
Length: 49½” with 28-inch barrel
Weight: 7.26 pounds
Barrel: 26- or 28-inch flat vent rib, small fiber-optic bead
Chokes: Crio style, 4 flush-mount (C, IC, M, F) and one extended (IM)
Trigger Pull Weight: 5 pounds, 11 ounces
Capacity: 3+1
Finish: Extra Black
Stock: Synthetic, textured grip areas
Price: $979

Retay ACE Receiver

ACE stands for Air Control Extreme. I’m not quite sure what that means. I’m glad Retay chose to go with the acronym. The ACE and ACE-R are the same except the ACE-R has a slightly hump-backed receiver like the Browning A5. A standard-profile, rounded receiver is found on the ACE. Back in January 2025, we were all introduced to the ACE in 12 gauge with a 26 or 28-inch vent-rib barrel. Finish choices include extra black as well as Realtree Max 7 and Mossy Oak Bottomland camo patterns. The 3-inch 20-gauge and 28-gauge models arrived late in the summer of 2025 in the same finishes and barrel lengths and with scaled-down receivers. My ACE is the 20-gauge version with a 28-inch barrel in extra black finish.

Retay ACE Inertia

The heart of the Ace is Retay’s Inertia Plus bolt, which has a spring inside the rotary bolt that pushes it into battery. There are no worries about the dreaded Benelli click misfire that happens when the bolt handle is bumped or the action is eased shut. I tried bumping their handle and slowly closing the bolt to trip up the ACE, but the bolt automatically went back into battery.

Retay ACE Controls

Both the charging handle and the carrier close button are super-sized, which makes them easier to use even with gloved hands or when your fingers feel like icicles. The charging handle is round, allowing your finger to smoothly roll off the handle as you rack the bolt. The action was super smooth to operate. It felt like it was an inertia gun at a much higher price point. The loading port is relieved of metal, so loading is smoother and easier on your fingers.

Patterning The Retay ACE

The vent rib is textured on the top surface to reduce glare and a single red fiber optic bead at the muzzle end helps to get you on target fast. The barrel is compatible with Benelli Crio Plus style choke tubes, which is nice to know if you need a special choke. It comes with 5 flush-fit choke tubes (F, IM, M, IC, C), a wrench, and a mid-range extended choke tube in Improved Modified. Most shooters will be happy with these choke options. Retay lengthens the forcing cone, which Retay says puts 20 percent more pellets on target.

I trust, but I also verify, so I pattern tested the ACR at 30 yards and found it shoots a 50/50 pattern above and below the point of aim, which works with my shooting style. I used inexpensive Remington Game Loads with #8 lead, Winchester Xpert with #7 steel shot, and Winchester AA #8 lead. I pattern tested another pedigree 20 gauge with a similar barrel/choke combination to compare pellet pattern density, basically calling Retay on their claim of denser loads. Without counting pellets and just looking at the pattern, I agree that the Retay ACE had more pellets on target.

Retay ACE Recoil

The butt stock has a rubbery soft comb and a nice curve to the pistol grip. The ACE is comfortable on the shoulder. The recoil pad looks familiar. I think the design was inspired by an air-cushioned athletic shoe from the late 1990s. Retay calls it the Airy recoil pad, which is a clear bubble of plastic that works like a shock absorber. According to my shoulder, it works well.

Field Stripping Retay ACE

The trigger group on the ACE does not require you to drive out pins. Just push a single button located by the safety and the trigger assembly rotates out of the receiver, which makes clean up and maintenance a breeze. Especially when you dump a canoe and your shotgun ends up in the muck. Don’t ask me how I know.

Busting Clays With The ACE

My first go at clays with the Retay ACE was with a foot-operated trap. I know what you are thinking, the Winchester AA target loads with its 1200 fps, 7/8 ounce payload would not cycle. That’s what many shotgunners in the U.S. believe about inertia guns made in Turkey. Yes, some Turkish-built guns don’t cycle with light loads, but the ACE chewed through the light loads with no issues. The Remington Game Load has a 7/8 ounce load that clocks 1225 fps and it cycled flawlessly through the ACE. So did the Winchester XPert with a 3/4 ounce load and a faster 1325 fps velocity. I was busting clays like I have been using the Retay for years. I also ran the Retay ACE at a few rounds of sporting clays because I really wanted to wring out the ACE, and because I liked shooting it that much. When I did my part, the ACE was consistent without any jams or hitches. The Retay ACE made me rethink my choice of shotgun for opening day dove season.

Is The ACE Worth IT?

Ok, if I have a gripe about the Retay ACE, it would be the trigger. It broke at 5.5 pounds, which is neither exceptional nor horrible. Did the trigger get in the way of busting clays and doves? No. For an inertia gun costing just south of $1,000, the Retay is an excellent choice. I think I’m going to use it during quail season, too.

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