Description
The Retay Masai Mara 12 Ga, 28″ Barrel, 3″ Inertia N-Bottomland is a premium inertia-driven shotgun designed for the serious waterfowler and upland hunter. It combines a rugged, weather-resistant Bottomland camo finish with a reliable action built to cycle everything from light target loads to 3-inch magnums in demanding field conditions. This shotgun is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Key Features
- Inertia-Driven System: Simple, clean, and reliable. Fewer moving parts than gas systems means less fouling and easier maintenance after a long, muddy day in the marsh.
- N-Bottomland Camo: Full-coverage, non-reflective finish that breaks up your outline in flooded timber or a cornfield blind.
- 28″ Vent Rib Barrel: Provides a smooth, consistent swing for pass-shooting geese or crossing doves. The 3″ chamber handles a versatile range of payloads.
- Ergonomic Grip & Texturing: Aggressive texturing on the forend and grip ensures control with wet or gloved hands when the weather turns.
- Drop-In Ready: The inertia system is self-regulating. It fits out of the box and cycles reliably without adjustment when switching between load types.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 28″ |
| Action Type | Inertia-Driven Semi-Auto |
| Overall Length | Approx. 48.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 6.8 lbs |
| Finish/Camo | N-Bottomland |
Weighing in at approximately 6.8 pounds, the Masai Mara balances forward for a smooth follow-through. That weight, paired with the inertia action, soaks up a significant amount of felt recoil compared to a pump—your shoulder will thank you by the end of a long shoot. The price point of $1043.40 positions it as a direct competitor to other premium inertia guns, but with Retay’s distinct Turkish craftsmanship and attention to ergonomic detail.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is a tool for the hunter who doesn’t call it quits when the rain starts or the temperature drops. It’s for the Missouri waterfowler spending dawn in a layout blind, where reliability isn’t a feature—it’s the only feature. It’s equally at home for the upland hunter covering miles for pheasant or turkey, where a lightweight, pointable gun makes a difference. If your shotgun needs to work on the fifth consecutive morning of a guided duck hunt in Arkansas, this is the platform you want. It’s not a safe queen; it’s a field-grade workhorse built for seasons of hard use.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The primary advantage is the low-maintenance inertia system. After a day in the muck, a simple wipe-down and bore cleaning is often all it needs. The Bottomland camo is durable and effective. The gun points naturally and swings smoothly, making it forgiving for shooters of varying experience levels. Recoil management is excellent for a 12-gauge.
Cons: Inertia guns can be more sensitive to how they are shouldered compared to gas-operated systems—if you don’t hold it firmly, it may not cycle. The 28″ barrel is ideal for the field but can feel long in tight quarters. Like all camo finishes, it can show wear at high-contact points over time. That said, the wear is just proof of a season well spent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the inertia system compare to a gas system like a Beretta A300?
A: Inertia systems are simpler internally. They run cleaner and require less detailed disassembly for cleaning than gas pistons and cylinders. The trade-off is that gas systems often have slightly softer perceived recoil and can be more tolerant of a loose hold. The Retay’s system is proven and highly reliable with a wide range of loads.
Q: What chokes does it come with, and are they compatible with other brands?
A: The Retay Masai Mara typically includes a set of flush-mounted chokes (often Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full). They use Retay’s own choke tube system. While not directly interchangeable with brands like Browning Invector or Beretta Mobil, aftermarket choke options from companies like Carlson’s are readily available in the Retay thread pattern.
Q: Is it ready for harsh environments right away?
A: Yes. The corrosion-resistant finish on internal parts and the camo exterior are designed for wet conditions. The action benefits from a proper break-in period of 100-150 rounds of standard-power loads (like 1 1/8 oz target loads at 1200 fps or higher) to ensure flawless operation from the start. After that, it’s built for the elements.
When it comes to a shotgun that needs to perform without fuss in the toughest conditions, the Retay Masai Mara is a serious contender. Its blend of simple mechanics, durable camouflage, and shooter-friendly handling makes it a reliable partner in the field. See the full details and availability on our product page.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.