Retay ACE

The Retay ACE is brand new for 2025, announced at SHOT Show and already making waves among waterfowlers. At a $1,049 MSRP, it’s marketed as a feature-packed semi-auto shotgun that can cycle everything from 1-oz target loads to 3½-inch magnum hunting shells. Available in 12 gauge (with ACE and humpback Type R versions), the ACE also comes in 20 gauge — and rumors suggest a 28 gauge may follow. With its patented Inertia Plus bolt system, oversized controls, and user-friendly design, Retay aims to deliver a premium shooting experience without the premium price tag.

• MSRP: $1,049 (Extra Black) / $1,149 (camo)
• Operation: Inertia Plus System
• Available Gauges: 12 ga (3½"), 20 ga (3") [[28 ga coming soon?]]
• Barrel Length Options: 26" or 28"
• Chamber Size: 3" (20 ga) / 3½" (12 ga)
• Weight: ~7.2 lbs (tested 7 lb 3 oz)
• Length of Pull: 14.5"
• Trigger: ~6 lbs (measured 5 lb 9 oz – 6 lb 5 oz)
• Chokes: 5 flush-mounted (Crio Plus system)
• Extras: Shims for stock fit, sling swivels, drilled & tapped receiver, airy butt pad, push button drop out trigger group

Ergonomics

The ACE feels lively in the hands with good balance around the receiver. Retay’s airy butt pad adds comfort and snaps on/off easily, though durability over time will be interesting to watch. A soft rubber comb provides cheek comfort, and the grip/fore-end contours feel solid — though dry hands may find the polymer a bit slick. The humpback Type R offers an extended sight plane, while the rounded-back ACE provides a more traditional look. Both versions have oversized controls, a reversible safety, and a cut-out loading port that makes topping off shells easy.

Recoil and Reliability

Retay claims the ACE cycles everything from light 1-oz target shells to heavy 3½-inch magnums. In testing, that held true — even hip-fired. Recoil felt straight back and was surprisingly manageable for an inertia gun. Light loads cycled clean, and magnums had punch but nothing harsh. The airy butt pad and lengthened forcing cone both helped smooth out the experience. For a wide load range, reliability was excellent.

Want even less recoil? We love the FalconStrike recoil reduction systems.

Breakdown / Quality of Build

The ACE impressed with a simple, tool-free takedown. The trigger group pops out with a button (no pins), making cleaning easy. Machining and materials look solid — from the deep bore drilled barrel to the trigger housing. Everything locked up tight when reassembled, with clean lines and finish. For a sub-$1,100 shotgun, the build quality felt well above its price class.

Shooting Experience

On clays and hunting loads alike, the ACE shot straight and patterned well. Targets broke hard, even with lighter shells. The trigger averaged about 6 lbs with slight pre-travel — not match-grade, but totally serviceable for waterfowl and field use. In speed shooting tests, splits weren’t lightning-fast due to that pre-travel, but for real-world hunting, the performance was excellent.

Final Thoughts

The Retay ACE is one of the most impressive “bang for the buck” semi-auto shotguns we’ve tested. It blends premium features, comfort, and reliability into a package that undercuts many big-name brands. While time will tell on long-term durability, first impressions suggest this gun can easily rival shotguns twice its price. For waterfowlers seeking value without compromise, the ACE deserves a serious look.

What do you think about the ACE? Share your thoughts in the TFL COMMUNITY!

Whether our targets in the field or our targets in life, we’ll only hit what we’re focused on — live the #targetfocusedlife