September 15, 2025 The Versatile ACE: Why the Retay ACE 20 Gauge is a Triple Threat for Waterfowl, Upland, and Trap Shooting Finding a single firearm that excels in multiple disciplines can be a challenge. Shooters often find themselves needing a specialized gun for waterfowl, another for fast-flushing upland birds, and yet another for the clay targets of the trap range. However, a new contender has emerged that defies this convention: the RETAY Ace 20 gauge. With its innovative patented “Inertia Plus™” rotating bolt, and lightweight handling, the ACE is proving to be a genuine triple threat, earning its place in the gun safe of any serious shotgunner. The Midas Touch of the Patented “Inertia Plus™”System At the heart of the RETAY ACE 20-gauge is the patented “Inertia Plus™” rotating bolt that fully locks up with the breech every time, which eliminates out of battery situations such as the common click experienced with other inertia shotguns. No bolt rattle, with RETAY’s patented “Inertia Plus™, the bolt can be closed slowly and quietly. No more lost shot opportunities, due to actions being jarred out of battery. Unlike other inertia systems that can be sensitive to different ammunition loads, the Ace 20-gauge Inertia Plus™ system is designed to cycle everything from light target loads to heavy magnum waterfowl shells with flawless reliability. This adaptability is crucial for a gun that needs to transition seamlessly between diverse shooting scenarios. The Ace 20-gauge also features the Easy Out Magazine Unloading™ Retay shotguns feature a clever magazine unloading system that allows the operator to empty shells easily, without cycling the bolt. Clear the chamber as you would any semi-auto shotgun, but to empty the magazine, simply turn the shotgun upside down so you are looking at the feed ramp. Push the front of the feed ramp toward the chamber, exposing the back of the shell in the magazine. Simply pull the bolt release outward from the receiver and the shell releases onto the bottom of the feed ramp. A Lightweight Champion for Upland Hunters For the upland hunter, a lightweight and quick-handling shotgun is paramount. Long days spent walking through fields and forests demand a gun that will not fatigue the shooter. The RETAY ACE 20-gauge, with its sleek profile and well-balanced design, fits this bill perfectly. The 20-gauge platform itself is inherently lighter, weighing only 5lb 9oz, that means you can get more steps in chasing after your favorite upland bird and spend more time in the field with your four-legged friend. Here at RETAY our engineers designed a perfectly balanced shotgun to reduce weight where it counts without sacrificing durability. This allows for swift mounting and tracking of fast-flushing birds like quail, grouse, and pheasant, giving the hunter a distinct advantage in the field. From the Duck Blind to the Trap House While its lightweight nature makes it an ideal upland gun, the RETAY ACE’s versatility extends far beyond the fields. Its ability to manage a wide range of loads makes it a surprising but effective choice for waterfowlers. While many waterfowlers prefer the stopping power of a 12-gauge, the 20-gauge has seen a resurgence in popularity due to modern ammunition technology. With high-density shots like Bismuth and Tungsten, a 20-gauge can deliver impressive patterns and knockdown power at ranges once thought to be exclusive to the 12-gauge. The RETAY ACE reliable cycling in all weather conditions, from freezing rain to muddy marshes, further solidifies its position as a viable waterfowl gun. On the other side of the spectrum, the RETAY Ace 20-gauge also shines on the trap range. While trap shooters typically gravitate towards heavy, fixed-rib guns for recoil management and smooth swinging, the Ace’s low recoil and balanced feel make it a surprisingly comfortable and accurate trap gun. The Ace 20-gauge lighter report is also a welcome relief for those spending long days at the range. It’s “Inertia Plus™” rotating bolt, crisp trigger pull allows for consistent, making it a great option for shooters looking for a versatile practice gun or a lighter alternative for casual competition. The Total Package Beyond its performance, the RETAY Ace 20-gauge is all that one needs in the field, timber hole, or at the 16-yard line. It comes standard with a full set of five flush chokes and extended waterfowl choke tube, allowing the shooter to customize their pattern for any situation. The ergonomic stock, forend, and AIRY Pad provide a comfortable and secure grip, and the gun’s overall fit and finish are excellent, reflecting RETAY’s commitment to quality craftsmanship. Conclusion The RETAY ACE 20-gauge is more than just a shotgun; it is a testament to modern engineering, innovation, and sleek design. It challenges the conventional wisdom that a single gun cannot excel in multiple disciplines. Whether you are a seasoned waterfowler, a dedicated upland hunter, or a weekend trap shooter, the ACE’s lightweight handling, reliable action, and surprising versatility make it a compelling choice. It is a true triple threat, ready to prove its worth from the blinds of the marsh to the high house of the skeet range.
August 19, 2025 Beyond the Clay Pigeon: The Breda 930i Sporting – A Double Threat For the discerning shotgun enthusiast, finding a firearm that excels in one discipline is satisfying. But what if you could have a shotgun that felt equally at home breaking clays on the sporting course as it did pursuing flushing pheasants in the field? Enter the Breda 930i Sporting Series. Breda, an Italian manufacturer with a rich history, has long been respected for its quality and innovation. The 930i Sporting builds on this legacy, offering a platform that’s both technically advanced and beautifully crafted. While its name clearly points to its sporting clays pedigree, a closer look reveals a shotgun surprisingly well-suited for the demands of upland hunting. Sporting Roots, Hunting Heart: The most immediate draw of the 930i Sporting is its refined design and competition-ready features. Typically available with barrel lengths of 30 or 32 inches, these longer barrels provide a smooth swing and excellent sight plane – crucial for consistent target breaks. The extended choke tubes, often included in the Sporting package, allow shooters to fine-tune their patterns for various clay presentations. A comfortable, ergonomic stock, often adjustable for length of pull and comb height, ensures a personalized fit for enhanced control and reduced recoil during long days on the range. However, don’t let these competition-focused features fool you. The core of the 930i – its reliable inertia-driven operating system – translates beautifully to the hunting field. Inertia systems are known for their simplicity, requiring less cleaning than gas-operated alternatives and often cycling a wider range of ammunition with greater reliability. This is a significant advantage when you might encounter various shot sizes and loads during an upland hunt. Why the 930i Shines in the Uplands: While a dedicated upland gun might be lighter with shorter barrels, the Breda 930i Sporting offers compelling benefits for the hunter who wants a dual-purpose firearm: ● Smooth Shooting: The weight and balance of the longer barrels, while ideal for sporting clays, also contribute to a smooth, controlled swing on flushing birds. This can lead to more accurate shots, especially on fast-moving targets. ● Versatility in Ammunition: The inertia system’s ability to handle a broad spectrum of loads means you can confidently use lighter target loads for practice and switch to more potent hunting loads without worrying about cycling issues. ● Durability and Reliability: Breda shotguns are known for their robust construction. The 930i Sporting is built to withstand the rigors of both competitive shooting and the bumps and bruises of a day in the field. ● Quality Craftsmanship: Owning a Breda is a statement of appreciation for fine firearms. The fit and finish of the 930i Sporting are typically excellent, providing a sense of pride in ownership whether you’re at the club or in the woods. The Verdict: The Breda 930i Sporting Series isn’t just a clay-breaking machine; it’s a versatile and reliable shotgun that can confidently transition from the sporting clays course to the upland fields. Its smooth shooting characteristics, reliable inertia system, and quality construction make it a compelling option for shooters who demand performance and versatility from their firearm. If you’re looking for a shotgun that can do double duty without compromise, the Breda 930i Sporting is certainly worth a closer look. You might just find that the same shotgun that helps you dust clays on Saturday can also help you bring home birds on Sunday
July 20, 2025 Compact but Mighty – The Gordion Compact is a Gun to Grow With In the world of shotguns, finding a firearm that truly fits the shooter can be a challenge. Retay, known for its innovative designs and commitment to quality with the Gordion Compact. This semi-automatic shotgun is not just a scaled-down version of a larger model; it is engineered from the ground up with features that make it an ideal choice for a wide range of shooters, particularly youth and women. What sets the Retay Gordion Compact apart are its core Retay features, meticulously integrated to enhance performance and, most importantly, provide an unparalleled level of custom fit. Precision Engineering: Deer Bore Drilled Barrel and Lengthened Forcing Cone At the heart of the Gordion Compact’s exceptional performance lies Retay’s “Dead Straight” Deep Bore Drilled Barrel. Unlike traditional hammer-forged barrels, deep bore drilling is a more meticulous process that results in a barrel that is incredibly straight and free from internal stresses. This translates directly to denser, more accurate shot patterns, ensuring that more pellets reach your target with greater consistency. Complementing this precision barrel is Retay’s “Out of the Box” Factory Lengthened Forcing Cone. The forcing cone is the tapered section where the chamber narrows to meet the bore. In many shotguns, this area is short and steep, causing excessive friction and pellet deformation. Retay’s lengthened and polished forcing cone reduces this friction, leading to increased shot velocity and, critically, a more uniform pattern density. This means you get a more effective spread of shot, straight from the factory, without the need for expensive aftermarket modifications. The Game-Changer: A Customizable Stock for a Perfect Fit Perhaps the most significant innovation for the Gordion Compact, especially for younger or smaller-statured shooters, is its customizable stock. The ability to adjust the length of pull (LOP) is a game-changer. The Gordion Compact is designed with a shorter initial LOP, and it comes with a shim kit containing four ¼-inch shims. These shims allow users to easily adjust the LOP from 12.5 inches to 13.5 inches by simply removing two Phillips head screws in the butt plate. This level of adjustability ensures that the shotgun can be precisely tailored to the shooter’s individual build, promoting proper gun mount, comfortable shooting, and improved accuracy. For growing youth, this means a single shotgun can adapt as they grow, eliminating the need for multiple firearms. An optional full-sized Gordion stock can also be purchased for even greater versatility. This customizable fit is incredibly beneficial for kids and women. Often, standard shotguns are built with dimensions that are too long for smaller frames, leading to an uncomfortable and awkward shooting experience, poor recoil absorption, and difficulty in achieving consistent accuracy. The Gordion Compact addresses these issues directly, allowing for a comfortable and confident shooting posture that minimizes felt recoil and maximizes control. This makes learning to shoot more enjoyable and effective, fostering a positive experience in the field or at the range. Aesthetics and Durability: Walnut, Camo, and Synthetic Options The Retay Gordion Compact is not just about performance and fit; it also offers a variety of aesthetic and practical choices to suit different preferences and hunting environments. Walnut: For those who appreciate classic beauty and a traditional feel, the Gordion Compact is available with stunning Turkish walnut stocks. These stocks are all-natural and never “grain-enhanced” – a testament to Retay’s commitment to using high-quality materials. Walnut offers a timeless look and can provide a slightly different balance and feel in the hand. Camo: Hunters venturing into various terrains will appreciate the Gordion Compact’s camouflage options, such as Mossy Oak Bottomland and Realtree Max-7. These hydrographic finishes provide excellent concealment, blending seamlessly into natural environments and protecting the stock from the elements. Synthetic: For maximum durability and weather resistance, synthetic stock versions of the Gordion Compact are also available, often in an “Extra Black” finish. Synthetic stocks are typically lighter and impervious to moisture and extreme temperatures, making them ideal for rugged conditions or those who prioritize a low-maintenance firearm. Full Size Stock: A full-size stock can be ordered to replace the compact stock at anytime if the shooter is ready for the upgrade, it the full-size platform. Regardless of the finish, all Gordion Compact models share the same exceptional internal components, including Retay’s “Inertia Plus” bolt system, which ensures reliable cycling and prevents misfires, and a single-piece milled aluminum receiver for long-lasting durability. In conclusion, the Retay Gordion Compact shotgun stands out as a thoughtful and advanced firearm. By combining its precision deer bore drilled barrel and lengthened forcing cone with a remarkably customizable stock, Retay has created a shotgun that not only delivers superior performance but also truly adapts to the individual shooter. This dedication to fit and function makes the Gordion Compact an exceptional choice, especially for youth and women, empowering them to shoot comfortably, confidently, and accurately, fostering a lifelong passion for shooting sports and hunting.
July 14, 2023 The Rising Popularity of Youth Shotgun Sports: A Look at Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clays The dawn of a new era in youth sports is upon us. No longer limited to the fields of soccer, baseball, or basketball, an increasing number of children and adolescents are finding their passion in a different arena – shotgun sports. The rise of youth shotgun sports is impossible to ignore, with disciplines such as trap, skeet, and sporting clays garnering widespread attention. Introduction to Youth Shotgun Sports Shotgun sports, traditionally a niche interest, are rapidly gaining ground in the mainstream sports scene. This newfound popularity is not without reason. For one, shotgun sports provide an exciting and challenging environment that helps kids develop focus, discipline, and hand-eye coordination. Starting Shotgun Sports for Kids Children and teenagers can participate in various activities in the exciting world of shotgun sports. From trap shooting for youths, which involves shooting at clay targets launched from a single “house” or machine, to skeet shooting, a discipline that challenges shooters to hit targets from two different houses, there’s a diverse range of activities to engage in. Another favorite is sporting clays, which offers young shooters a challenging and dynamic setup, where clays are thrown in several directions, mimicking the unpredictability of hunting. Indeed, the sport’s versatility and the thrill of learning a unique skill make shotgun sports appealing for beginners. Training Safety Shotgun Sports Preparation Equipment Benefits Conclusion Youth Shotgun Sports Training Effective training is essential for anyone venturing into shotgun sports. Fortunately, an increasing number of youth shotgun sports camps and shotgun sports leagues for kids have started offering comprehensive programs that cater to different skill levels. These programs typically introduce youth shotgun sports, teaching children about the different types of sports, the rules of each game, and the various techniques used. Most importantly, they heavily emphasize safety in youth shotgun sports, ensuring kids understand how to handle firearms responsibly and respect the sport’s inherent dangers. Safety in Youth Shotgun Sports Safety is paramount when it comes to youth shotgun sports. The nature of these activities requires strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent accidents. For instance, kids are taught never to point a shotgun at anything they don’t intend to shoot and to treat every firearm as if it’s loaded. Benefits of Shotgun Sports for Youth Participation in shotgun sports offers numerous benefits for youth. These activities teach discipline, patience, and concentration – skills that can be transferred to academics and other areas of life. They also promote physical fitness and coordination. On top of this, these sports often foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, as many shotgun sports events are conducted in teams. Trap Shooting for Youths Trap shooting, one of the most popular forms of shotgun sports, provides a fantastic introduction for young newcomers. Participants aim at clay targets mechanically launched from a single “house” or machine in this discipline. The targets are propelled away from the shooter at varying angles, posing a thrilling challenge that helps to develop the child’s focus and hand-eye coordination. As they master the art of hitting these moving targets, young shooters gain a profound sense of accomplishment. Skeet Shooting: An Exciting Challenge Skeet shooting takes the challenge up a notch. In this discipline, targets are launched from two houses, known as the ‘high house’ and the ‘low house’, situated on opposite ends of a semi-circle field. Participants move around various shooting stations around the semi-circle, aiming at targets thrown from both houses singly or simultaneously. This necessitates precise timing and well-honed skills, making skeet an exhilarating choice for young shooters ready to further hone their skills. Sporting Clays: The Unpredictable Adventure If the structured setup of trap and skeet shooting is likened to a track event, sporting clays would be the cross-country race. This discipline offers a dynamic and unpredictable setup resembling field shooting conditions. Clays are thrown from multiple locations and in different directions, mimicking the erratic flight path of game birds. For young shooters, the ever-changing scenarios of sporting clays present an exciting and rewarding challenge that keeps them continually engaged. Preparing Children for Shotgun Sports: A Comprehensive Approach Preparing children for shotgun sports is a multifaceted process. It fosters physical skills, mental resilience, and a profound respect for the sport and its inherent risks. Parents, coaches, and mentors play a crucial role in this journey, guiding young shooters at every step, instilling important values and molding them into responsible sportsmen and sportswomen. Physical Preparedness The first step in preparing children for shotgun sports is ensuring their physical readiness. This includes developing strength and coordination, understanding firearm handling mechanics, and learning shooting techniques. Physical preparedness is more than just wielding the shotgun; it’s about maintaining balance, controlling the breath, focusing on the target, and smoothly executing the shot. As part of the training regimen, children also learn how to safely load and unload the shotgun, handle misfires, and understand the nuances of different shooting positions. Mental Conditioning Equally important is the mental aspect. Shotgun sports require a great deal of concentration and discipline. Young shooters need to learn how to stay focused under pressure, make split-second decisions, and handle the disappointment of missed shots. Mental conditioning also includes understanding the rules of the sport and strategies of the game, enabling the young shooter to make effective decisions during competitions. Respect for the Sport and Safety Preparing children for shotgun sports also involves instilling a deep respect for the sport and its inherent risks. Firearms, even when used in a controlled environment such as shooting sports, require careful handling and a serious approach. Kids must understand that their actions can have serious consequences, learning to respect the equipment they’re handling, the rules they’re following, and the safety of themselves and others around them. Role of Parents and Coaches Parents and coaches play a pivotal role in preparing children for shotgun sports. Coaches provide the technical training and tactical understanding required to excel in the sport. They create a structured environment that promotes learning, improvement, and discipline. On the other hand, parents provide emotional support, helping their children overcome frustrations and anxieties, celebrate victories, and learn from losses. Both parents and coaches play a vital part in instilling values of sportsmanship in young shooters. This includes teaching kids how to compete fairly, handle success with humility, accept defeat graciously, respect opponents, and appreciate the importance of teamwork in certain shotgun sports. Equipment for Youth Shotgun Sports The right equipment is also a crucial part of youth shotgun sports. Typically, this includes a suitable shotgun, protective eyewear, hearing protection, and suitable ammunition. Coaches at youth shotgun sports training programs guide participants in selecting the appropriate equipment, ensuring it’s the correct size and weight for the shooter. Benefits of Shotgun Sports for Youth Participation in shotgun sports offers numerous benefits for youth. These activities teach discipline, patience, and concentration – skills that can be transferred to academics and other areas of life. They also promote physical fitness and coordination. On top of this, these sports often foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, as many shotgun sports events are conducted in teams. Effective training is essential for anyone venturing into shotgun sports. Fortunately, an increasing number of youth shotgun sports camps and shotgun sports leagues for kids have started offering comprehensive programs that cater to different skill levels. These programs typically provide an introduction to youth shotgun sports, teaching children about the different types of sports, the rules of each game, and the various techniques used. Most importantly, they heavily emphasize safety in youth shotgun sports, ensuring kids understand how to handle firearms responsibly and respect the sport’s inherent dangers. Youth Clay Shooting Tips and Youth Skeet Shooting Guide As beginners, kids can greatly benefit from expert tips and guidance. For instance, one key piece of advice in clay shooting is to keep both eyes open for better depth perception and a wider field of view. Understanding the timing and rhythm of the ‘houses’ releasing targets in skeet shooting is crucial for success. The Appeal of Shotgun Sports for Beginners The versatility of shotgun sports is part of its charm for beginners. The disciplines differ significantly in their setup and the skills required, providing a diverse range of activities that keep young participants captivated. But the appeal goes beyond just the thrill of learning a unique skill. The nature of shotgun sports, where individual performance can directly impact team scores, teaches children about responsibility and the importance of individual effort for collective success. The focus and discipline required in these sports can translate into other aspects of their lives, including academics. Moreover, the nurturing environment of shotgun sports, where experienced shooters and coaches provide guidance and support, gives children a safe and encouraging space to learn and grow. In conclusion, starting shotgun sports for kids opens a world of opportunities. It’s not just about hitting targets; it’s about developing valuable life skills, creating lasting friendships, and building the foundation for a lifelong love of a unique sport.
