Retay

Retay Masai Mara: The Flagship Inertia Semi-Auto Shotgun

The Retay Masai Mara is the company’s flagship hunting shotgun, available in 12-gauge with a 3½” chamber. It uses Retay’s proprietary inertia-plus system with a self-regulating gas assist for reliable cycling of everything from light 2¾” target loads to the heaviest 3½” turkey and goose loads. The Masai Mara ships with a synthetic or Turkish walnut stock, a ventilated rib barrel, and a set of choke tubes. Its 3½” chamber is a meaningful advantage for waterfowl hunters who shoot heavy steel loads—most comparably priced semi-autos max out at 3”. For a do-everything hunting semi-auto, the Masai Mara competes well above its price class.

Retay GPS: The Tactical/Home Defense Configuration

The Retay GPS is the tactical variant in the Retay lineup—a black synthetic semi-auto with a pistol grip stock, ghost ring sights, and a Picatinny rail for accessories. It uses the same inertia-plus action as the Masai Mara in a 12-gauge, 3” chamber configuration. The GPS is well-suited for home defense buyers who want a semi-auto shotgun in a tactical format that will cycle reliably with standard buckshot loads. Its ghost ring sights offer a significant aiming improvement over standard bead sights for defensive use. At its price point, the GPS represents a strong value against comparably configured semi-autos from major brands.

Retay Inertia-Plus vs Gas Operation: Why It Matters

Retay’s “inertia-plus” system combines a primary inertia bolt with a secondary gas-assist mechanism to extend the reliable cycling range beyond what a pure inertia system handles. Pure inertia guns (Benelli, Franchi) are lighter and cleaner but can be finicky with light target loads in cold temperatures or with a very loose hold. Gas-operated guns (Beretta A400, Browning Maxus) cycle light loads more reliably but are heavier and require more frequent cleaning. Retay’s hybrid approach aims to give you the light weight and simplicity of inertia with the light-load reliability of gas. For a hunter who shoots a variety of loads across different game, it’s a practical middle ground.

Retay vs Benelli: Is the Price Difference Worth It?

The Benelli M2 and SBE3 are the gold standard for inertia semi-auto shotguns, and they command prices two to three times higher than comparable Retay models. The Benelli advantage is a longer track record, a larger aftermarket for stocks and accessories, and a proven extreme-weather reliability reputation. The Retay advantage is a 3½” chamber on the Masai Mara at a price point that most Benelli M2s don’t reach, plus the gas-assist for light-load reliability. For a hunter who shoots 50–100 rounds per season across two or three species, the Retay delivers 90% of the Benelli experience at 40% of the cost. For a guide, professional hunter, or someone running 500+ rounds per season, the Benelli’s track record is worth the premium.

Retay Shotgun Chokes, Barrels, and Accessories

All Retay shotguns use a Mobil-pattern choke system, which gives you access to the broadest aftermarket of aftermarket choke tubes available—including Carlson’s, Kicks, and Patternmaster. Standard models ship with three chokes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full). Barrel lengths range from 24” to 30” depending on model and configuration. Retay does not have the aftermarket stock and forend options of Benelli or Beretta, so if you plan to heavily customize your shotgun, factor that in. For a working hunting gun used as-is, the stock configurations are well-executed and functional for the field.

Related Pages

Explore related options at Impact Guns: Semi-Auto Shotguns • Benelli Shotguns • 12 Gauge Shotguns