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.

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:
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauges / Chamber | 12 GA – 3.5″; 20 GA – 3.0″; 28 GA – 3.0″ :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} |
| Barrel Length Options | 26″ or 28″ drilled barrels :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} |
| Action | Inertia-driven (Inertia Plus™) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} |
| Magazine Capacity | 3 + 1 shells :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} |
| Sights | Single fiber-optic bead front sight on ventilated rib :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} |
| Receiver Mounting | Drilled & tapped for optics / rails :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} |
| Magazine Tubes / Chokes | Compatible 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 / Patterns | Extra 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
Dealer & Purchase Links
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:
- Retay USA (official dealer / shop) – ACE TYPE R Extra Black and camo variants $1,049–$1,149
→ Retay USA ACE TYPE R Extra Black :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
→ Retay USA ACE TYPE R Mossy Oak Bottomland :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31} - Guns.com — News article mentions ACE / ACE-R models and links to vendor listings
→ Retay ACE / ACE-R announcement on Guns.com :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32} - GunBroker / Secondary Dealers — While not specific models posted here, it is typical for new shotguns to appear via FFL-compliant listings
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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