The RETAY GORDION 12GA 28in Black Synthetic Shotgun is a semi-automatic, inertia-powered 12 gauge built around Retay’s Inertia Plus rotating bolt system. It runs a 28-inch drilled Bohler steel, chrome-lined barrel with an 8mm vented flat hunting rib and a TruGlo fiber optic front bead sight. Accepts up to 3-inch shells and ships with a set of five interchangeable MaraPro choke tubes. This is a gun for shooters who want inertia reliability without the weight penalty of gas systems — and who appreciate a rotating bolt that locks up tight for hard-kicking loads.
| Manufacturer | Retay |
|---|---|
| Model | Gordion |
| Material | Bohler steel barrel, chrome-lined bore, synthetic stock |
| Compatibility | 12 Gauge, 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells |
| Finish | Black synthetic stock, matte black metal finish |
| Weight | Approximately 6.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Inertia Plus Rotating Bolt System — Why it matters: This patented design uses a rotating bolt head that locks into the barrel extension, delivering ultra-reliable cycling with heavy magnum loads while reducing felt recoil compared to fixed-bolt inertia guns.
- 28-Inch Bohler Steel Chrome-Lined Barrel — Why it matters: Bohler steel is a premium European alloy known for high tensile strength and corrosion resistance; the chrome lining extends barrel life and makes cleaning easier after a long day in the field.
- Five MaraPro Interchangeable Choke Tubes — Why it matters: You get CYL, IC, MOD, IM, and FULL chokes included, letting you dial in patterns for waterfowl, upland, turkey, or clays without buying extra tubes.
- TruGlo Fiber Optic Front Bead Sight — Why it matters: The bright fiber optic front bead gives fast target acquisition in low-light conditions — dawn duck blinds or dusk dove fields — without needing batteries.
- 8mm Vented Flat Hunting Rib — Why it matters: The wide, vented rib dissipates heat fast during rapid strings and provides a consistent sight plane for swing-through shooting on moving targets.
Who It’s For
This shotgun is for tech-savvy shooters who want an inertia-driven semi-auto that doesn’t require gas-system maintenance. It fits hunters who rotate between waterfowl, upland, and turkey seasons, plus shooters who appreciate a rotating bolt lockup for reliability with 3-inch magnum loads. If you’re an early adopter of European engineering trends — and you like the idea of a lightweight, low-recoil semi-auto that runs clean — the Gordion is your next field gun.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Inertia Plus rotating bolt delivers reliable cycling with both light target loads and heavy 3-inch magnums.
- Pro: At roughly 6.5 lbs, it’s light enough for all-day carry in the field.
- Pro: Chrome-lined Bohler steel barrel resists corrosion from wet conditions.
- Con: Inertia systems can be sensitive to very light 2.75-inch target loads (under 1 oz) — you may need to break it in with heavier shells first.
Comparison vs. Competitors
| Feature | Retay Gordion | Benelli M2 Field | Stoeger M3000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action Type | Inertia Plus rotating bolt | Inertia-driven | Inertia-driven |
| Barrel Steel | Bohler steel, chrome-lined | Steel, nickel-plated bore | Steel, chrome-lined |
| Weight | ~6.5 lbs | ~6.7 lbs | ~7.2 lbs |
| Choke System | MaraPro (5 tubes included) | Mobilchoke (5 tubes included) | Mobilchoke (5 tubes included) |
| MSRP | $729 | $1,399 | $499 |
| Rotating Bolt? | Yes | No | No |
According to Retay specs, the rotating bolt system provides 40% more locking surface area than standard inertia bolts — a measurable advantage for shooters who want positive lockup with high-pressure loads.
FAQ
What shells does the Retay Gordion cycle reliably?
It cycles 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells from 1 oz to 1.5 oz. Light 7/8 oz target loads may not generate enough inertia to cycle the bolt reliably during break-in. Retay recommends running 100-200 rounds of 1 oz or heavier loads first.
Is this shotgun suitable for left-handed shooters?
The Retay Gordion is a right-handed semi-auto with a right-side ejection port. Left-handed shooters can use it, but hot brass will eject across the face. Retay does not offer a left-handed model at this time.
Does the barrel accept standard Benella choke tubes?
No. The Gordion uses Retay’s proprietary MaraPro choke system, which is not cross-compatible with Benelli Mobilchoke or Beretta/Browning patterns. Five chokes are included in the box.
How do I clean the Inertia Plus system?
Disassemble the bolt group by removing the bolt head pin. Clean the rotating bolt head and spring assembly with a solvent-soaked cloth. Reassemble and lightly oil moving parts. No need to disassemble the inertia spring unless it’s dirty.
Can I use this for 3-gun competition?
Yes, but the 28-inch barrel is longer than typical 3-gun setups (22-24 inches). It’s better suited for hunting or clays. If you want a 3-gun shotgun, consider the 24-inch barrel version.
Trust & Delivery
- ✅ Nationwide delivery to all 50 states
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days from order
- ✅ 30-day return policy
- ✅ Secure checkout with encrypted payment
Browse more: Semi Auto Shotguns | Retay Shotguns | 12 Gauge Shotguns
Last updated: April 2026
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