The 20 gauge was once a relic that sat in the back of most gun cabinets. Reserved for youth and women shooters for the light recoil. In recent years, everyone is getting in on the 20 gauge game, and for good reason. Lighter, with less recoil, and capable of excellent performance, the 20 gauge is a favorite of hunters and sport shooters alike. Among the modern 20-gauge offerings, the RETAY Gordion stands out as a versatile and reliable platform. Built on the company’s Inertia Plus™ bolt system, the Gordion series offers a range of models tailored for specific hunting applications, from the field to the blind.
Core Features of the RETAY Gordion
At the heart of every RETAY Gordion shotgun is RETAY’s patented Inertia Plus™ bolt. This bolt has a patented Rollover internal torsion spring to forcefully rotate the bolt head into battery and keep it from ever being jarred out of battery. This system promotes quiet closing and practically eliminates bolt rattle. This system, coupled with a Dead Straight Deep Bore Drilled Barrel™, gives the Gordion a reputation for dense and accurate shot patterns. Other great features include, the Easy-Out™magazine unloading on turkey, and waterfowl models.
The Gordion’s lightweight, single-piece aluminum receiver and “plastic-free” trigger group are other hallmarks of its design, offering a durable and well-balanced firearm. Each Gordion comes with a set of five choke tubes, a shim kit for stock adjustment, and a limited lifetime warranty, making it a solid investment for any shooter.
Tailored for the Hunt: 20 Gauge RETAY Gordion Models
RETAY recognizes that a single shotgun can’t be perfect for every hunting scenario. The company offers different Gordion models, each with features that optimize it for a specific type of hunting.
Upland Hunting and All-Purpose
For the upland hunter who spends long days walking fields and woods, a lightweight and quick-handling shotgun is paramount. The standard 20 gauge Gordion models, available in barrel lengths of 26″ and 28″, are excellent choices. Their light weight, often around 6 pounds, makes them a joy to carry. These models, with their traditional stock and forend designs and various finishes, including synthetic, walnut, or different camo patterns, are perfect for chasing pheasants, grouse, and other fast-flushing birds. The shim kit allows for a custom fit, which is crucial for quick target acquisition.
Turkey Hunting
Turkey hunters require a shotgun that can deliver dense, consistent patterns at extended ranges. The RETAY Gordion Turkey model is built with these demands in mind. Typically featuring a shorter, 22″ barrel, the turkey model is more compact and maneuverable, a significant advantage when calling birds in tight cover. Some Gordion Turkey models come with a pistol grip stock, which provides a more comfortable and secure hold, especially when a turkey is coming into range and you’re waiting for the perfect shot. They are also available in popular turkey-specific camouflage patterns. The Dead Straight Deep Bore Drilled Barrel™ is a key feature here, as it helps create the tight patterns needed for a clean harvest at various ranges.
Waterfowl Hunting
For the duck blind or goose pit, RETAY offers Gordion models designed for waterfowl. These shotguns are built to withstand the elements and provide reliable performance in wet and cold conditions. They are available in waterfowl specific camouflage patterns as well. The 20-gauge platform offers a lighter alternative to the traditional 12-gauge waterfowl gun, which can be a relief on long days. With a 3″ chamber and a full set of chokes, these shotguns are more than capable of handling the heavy loads required for long-range shots on ducks and geese.
Youth and Compact Shooters
RETAY has not overlooked the growing number of youth and smaller-framed shooters. The Gordion Compact model is a brilliant solution, offering the same high-performance features as its full-sized counterparts in a package designed to fit a wide range of shooters. The key feature of the Compact is its adjustable length of pull (LOP), which can be customized from 12.5″ to 13.5″ using the included spacers. This allows the gun to “grow” with a younger shooter. The Gordion Compact is available in 24″ or 26″ barrel lengths and is a fantastic single investment for a young or new shooter, as it eliminates the need to buy a new firearm as they grow or improve.
Whether you’re an experienced hunter looking for a lighter platform or a new shooter in need of a reliable and adaptable firearm, the 20 gauge RETAY Gordion offers a compelling solution. Its combination of innovative engineering, solid construction, and a variety of configurations makes it a standout choice for nearly any hunting pursuit.
