Retay USA ACE TYPE R: The “Hump-Back” Shotgun with Modern Features

ACE-R-BLK-shotgun

Retay USA has expanded its popular ACE series by launching the **ACE TYPE R** variant—a visually distinct, performance-oriented sibling to the standard ACE. The ACE TYPE R shares the internal components and upgrades of the ACE family, but features a slightly **raised or “hump-back” receiver** for improved handling and aesthetic flair. In this article, we break down the features, specs, performance impressions, and dealer options for the ACE TYPE R.

Retay ACE TYPE R Extra Black 26\

What is the ACE TYPE R?

The ACE TYPE R is part of Retay’s Air Control Extreme (ACE) line of semi-automatic shotguns, debuting in 2025. According to Retay USA, the TYPE R simply differs in its receiver profile—the “humpback” design—as compared to the standard ACE’s more sloping receiver. Internally and functionally, the two share the same upgraded features. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Retay USA markets the ACE TYPE R across 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and 28 gauge versions, with barrel-length and gauge options for different shooting styles. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

The ACE TYPE R’s elevated receiver is intended to improve sight alignment and handling for many shooters, giving it a distinctive visual identity without altering the core performance specs. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}


Key Specifications & Configurations

Here is a summary of the published specs for the ACE TYPE R variants:

ParameterDetail
Gauges / Chamber12 GA – 3.5″; 20 GA – 3.0″; 28 GA – 3.0″ :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Barrel Length Options26″ or 28″ drilled barrels :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
ActionInertia-driven (Inertia Plus™) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Magazine Capacity3 + 1 shells :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
SightsSingle fiber-optic bead front sight on ventilated rib :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Receiver MountingDrilled & tapped for optics / rails :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Magazine Tubes / ChokesCompatible with Benelli extended magazine tubes & Benelli Crio Plus chokes :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Recoil Pad System“Airy Pad” recoil-mitigation pad :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Length of Pull (LOP)14.5″ standard, includes shim kit for adjustment :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
MSRP / Price Range~ $1,049 (base 12 GA models) :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Finish / PatternsExtra Black, Mossy Oak Bottomland, Realtree Max-7 variants :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Notable variant examples:

  • ACE TYPE R Extra Black – 12 GA, 3.5″ chamber, 26″ or 28″ barrels :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
  • ACE TYPE R Mossy Oak Bottomland – camo pattern finish, same core specs :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Feature Highlights & Enhancements

Below are the key features and upgrades that the ACE TYPE R inherits and emphasizes:

Inertia Plus™ Operating System

The ACE TYPE R uses Retay’s improved Inertia Plus™ inertia-driven action. Retay claims this version improves reliability across lighter loads, reduces friction in cycling, and better handles variation in ammunition strength. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Receiver Design & Handling

The hump-backed receiver of the TYPE R variant subtly raises the top profile. This is said to help sight acquisition, improve ergonomics, and create a distinctive silhouette for users who prefer that styling. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Optics-Ready

The ACE TYPE R comes drilled & tapped for mounting optics or rails (e.g. red-dots, scopes) off the factory. This makes adding shotgun optics easier without extensive gunsmithing. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

Choke & Magazine Tube Compatibility

One of the more practical upgrades: the ACE TYPE R is compatible with Benelli Crio Plus chokes and Benelli extended magazine tubes. This gives users access to a broad aftermarket ecosystem. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

Recoil & Ergonomics

The “Airy Pad” recoil pad and a soft comb pad help reduce felt recoil by approximately 30% (per Retay’s claims) compared to prior models. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
The stock and forend have been reworked for better grip and comfort, including an oversized charging handle and safer ergonomic touches. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

Light-Load Cycling & Loading Port

Retay improved light load cycling: the TYPE R is better tuned to function with lighter target loads, which was a historical weakness for some inertia shotguns. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
Additionally, the loading port has been cut-out for smoother reloads, especially under field conditions. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}

Reversible Safety & Trigger Group

The safety is oversized and reversible (left/right) for ambidextrous shooters.
It also features a push-button removable trigger group, enabling quick removal in the field without tools—a detail appreciated by many reviewers. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}


Range Impressions & Performance

Public reviews and field testing of the ACE TYPE R (and its ACE sibling) provide valuable insight:

  • Field & Stream’s test of the ACE-R (which shares internals with TYPE R) rated it favorably for balancing features and value. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
  • The reviewer notes that the ACE / ACE-R line addresses earlier Retay quirks—improving cycling of light loads, reversing safety for left-hand use, and adopting Benelli-compatible chokes. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
  • In tests, the ACE-R (thus very likely TYPE R) cycled reliably with lighter loads down to 1-oz target shells, though ultra-light loads may still challenge the inertia system. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
  • The ergonomic changes—stock shape, oversized controls, and “Airy Pad”—made the shotgun comfortable to shoot even with heavy loads. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
  • The drilled & tapped receiver allowed mounting of optics (e.g. a red-dot), which functioned well in tests. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}

Overall, the ACE TYPE R seems to deliver a robust balance of modern upgrades and field practicality while maintaining Retay’s mid-price shotgun value proposition.


Pros & Considerations

Advantages:

  • Styled receiver gives a distinct look without sacrificing internals
  • Optics-ready from factory
  • Compatibility with Benelli choke & magazine systems
  • Improved cycling with light loads
  • Reversible safety and ergonomic controls
  • Value per MSRP relative to competing semi-auto shotguns

Potential trade-offs / considerations:

  • As always with inertia systems, ultra-light loads might stress operation beyond design limits
  • The TYPE R’s raised receiver might slightly affect mounting heights or optics alignment for some users
  • Being a newer product, long-term durability data is limited
  • Some premium shotguns may still outperform in niche patterns or custom tuning

Below are currently available dealer listings for the ACE TYPE R or closely associated ACE/ACE-R models. Always verify model, gauge, finish, and compliance before purchase:

Be sure to confirm the TYPE R variant (vs standard ACE) when you order, since many dealers carry both styles.


SEO Fields (for Yoast or similar)

  • Focus Keyphrase: ACE TYPE R Shotgun
  • Meta Description: Learn about the Retay USA ACE TYPE R shotgun—the distinct “hump-back” variant in the ACE lineup with optics-ready features, inertia system, and new ergonomic upgrades.
  • Keyphrase: ACE TYPE R Shotgun
  • Tags: Retay ACE TYPE R, Retay ACE, Retay ACE-R, inertia shotgun, waterfowl shotgun, optics-ready shotgun, Retay USA
  • Category: Shotgun Reviews
  • Keyphrase Synonyms: Retay TYPE R, ACE TYPE R review, Retay ACE TYPE R features, Retay shotguns 2025

If you like, I can also generate a separate shorter version optimized for search (landing page), or build comparison tables between TYPE R and other ACE variants (e.g. standard ACE, Masai Mara) to boost SEO coverage. Do you want me to do that next?
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