Description
The Retay ACE-R 12 Gauge 28" Mossy Oak Bottomland 3.5" Chamber is a semi-automatic shotgun built around a reliable inertia piston system. Designed for field hunting and sporting clays, this 12-gauge shotgun combines a lightweight synthetic stock with a Mossy Oak Bottomland camo finish that blends into marshes and woodlands. The 28-inch vent-rib barrel and 3.5-inch chamber let you shoot everything from target loads to heavy magnum shells without changing guns. Per Retay specs, the Airy Pad recoil system and adjustable length-of-pull make this an easy shotgun for the whole family to shoot comfortably.
| Manufacturer | Retay |
|---|---|
| Model | ACE-R |
| Material | Synthetic stock with Mossy Oak Bottomland camo finish |
| Compatibility | 12 Gauge shells up to 3.5″; accepts standard choke tubes (not included) |
| Finish | Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage |
| Weight | Approximately 7.1 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Inertia Piston System — Why it matters: This gas-free design cycles reliably with light target loads and heavy 3.5-inch magnums, and it stays cleaner than gas-operated shotguns because combustion gases don’t enter the action.
- 28" Vent-Rib Barrel with Fiber Optic Front Bead — Why it matters: The vent rib reduces mirage on hot days, and the bright fiber optic bead helps new shooters acquire the target quickly, especially in low light at dawn or dusk.
- Airy Pad Recoil System — Why it matters: The built-in recoil pad soaks up the kick from heavy 3.5-inch loads, making it comfortable for youth shooters or anyone sensitive to recoil during long days at the range.
- Adjustable Length-of-Pull via Shim Kit — Why it matters: You can shorten or lengthen the stock by swapping shims, so the shotgun fits different family members — from a teenager to an adult — without buying a new gun.
- Mossy Oak Bottomland Camo Finish — Why it matters: This camouflage pattern blends into marshes, fields, and timber, keeping you hidden from waterfowl and upland game while protecting the synthetic stock from scratches and weather.
Who It’s For
This shotgun is for families who want one semi-auto that does it all — duck hunting, turkey hunting, and sporting clays. It’s also a great choice for beginners because the inertia system requires less maintenance than gas guns, and the adjustable stock grows with a young shooter. If you hunt in wet or muddy conditions and need a gun that keeps running without cleaning every trip, the ACE-R fits that role.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Reliable inertia cycling with all loads, adjustable stock for multiple shooters, lightweight at 7.1 lbs, excellent camo pattern for concealment, low maintenance compared to gas-operated shotguns.
- Cons: The inertia system can be sensitive to very light target loads (under 1200 fps) during the first 50-100 rounds of break-in, so you might need to stick with mid-range shells initially.
Comparison vs. Competitors
| Feature | Retay ACE-R | Benelli Montefeltro | Stoeger M3000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,079 | $1,399 | $599 |
| Action Type | Inertia piston | Inertia-driven (Benelli Inertia System) | Inertia-driven |
| Chamber | 3.5″ | 3″ | 3″ |
| Stock | Mossy Oak Bottomland synthetic | Black synthetic | Black synthetic |
| Recoil Pad | Airy Pad system | Cheek pad + recoil pad | Standard recoil pad |
| Adjustable LOP | Yes (shim kit) | No | No |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs | 7.2 lbs | 7.5 lbs |
FAQ
What shells does the Retay ACE-R cycle reliably?
Per Retay specs, the ACE-R cycles 2.75-inch target loads (1200 fps and above), 3-inch magnums, and 3.5-inch magnums. During the first 50-100 rounds, we recommend using 1,200+ fps loads to help the inertia system break in. After that, it should run lighter loads without issue.
Can I use this shotgun for waterfowl hunting?
Yes, the Mossy Oak Bottomland camo and 3.5-inch chamber make it ideal for ducks and geese. The inertia system also prevents water or mud from entering the action if you drop the gun in the marsh, which is a common problem with gas-operated shotguns.
Is the stock adjustable for youth shooters?
Yes, the included shim kit lets you adjust the length of pull from about 13.5 inches down to 12.5 inches, and you can also change the drop and cast. This makes it easy to fit the shotgun to a teenager or smaller-framed shooter without buying a separate youth model.
Does the Retay ACE-R come with choke tubes?
No, the ACE-R does not include choke tubes in the box. It accepts standard Beretta/Benelli-style choke tubes, which are widely available. You can purchase a set of three (IC, Mod, Full) for around $30-$50.
Trust Block
- ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✓ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✓ 30-day returns
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See more in our Semi Auto Shotguns section, or browse all Shotguns and Waterfowl Gear.
Last updated: April 2026
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