I’ve recently acquired a Retay Masai Mara 12-Gauge, and after spending some quality time with it, I’ve got a few thoughts. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but it quickly proved itself in both performance and build.
but first…
You can buy firearms online?
Buying a firearm online is a straightforward process, but there are a few important steps to follow:
- Choose Your Firearm: Start by browsing a reputable website that sells firearms. Once you’ve found the gun you want, add it to your cart and proceed to checkout.
- Select an FFL Dealer: During checkout, you’ll be asked to choose a local Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer. This is where your firearm will be shipped, as online retailers can’t send guns directly to your home. You can usually search for local FFL dealers by entering your ZIP code.
- Complete the Purchase: After selecting your FFL, finish your online purchase. The retailer will ship the gun to the FFL dealer you chose.
- Visit the FFL Dealer: When your firearm arrives at the FFL dealer, you’ll be notified. You’ll need to visit the dealer in person to complete the necessary paperwork.
- Background Check and Pickup: At the FFL dealer, you’ll fill out some digital forms, including a background check. Once that clears, you’ll be able to take your new firearm home.
Barrel Construction: “Dead Straight” Really Means Dead Straight
The barrel is the heart of any shotgun, and Retay didn’t skimp here. They use a process called deep bore drilling, which is a fancy way of saying that they drilled out a solid cylinder of 4140 steel, rather than using the typical hammer-forging process you’ll find with other shotguns. What’s the big deal? Well, it means the barrel isn’t stressed or warped, which translates into better accuracy. The name “Dead Straight” fits—it feels like my shots were noticeably more precise, especially at longer ranges.
Performance Straight Out of the Box
One feature that surprised me was the factory-lengthened forcing cone. Normally, if you’re serious about shooting, you’ll send your new gun off to get this modified right away. But Retay does it for you, right at the factory. This helps improve shot velocity and creates denser patterns because there’s less pellet deformation. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a big difference in how smooth the gun feels when you fire it.
No More Missed Shots: Inertia Plus System
One thing that always bugged me with other inertia-driven shotguns is how easily they can get jarred out of battery, causing you to miss shots. Retay’s Inertia Plus System really solves this with a torsion spring that locks the bolt securely in place. The action is quieter and smoother, and who doesn’t love less rattle?
Field-Friendly: Quick Breakdown and Trigger Removal
This shotgun breaks down easily, which is one of my favorite things about it. The push-button trigger group removal is a game changer. You press a button, and the whole trigger group pops right out. No tools, no hassle. This is great for cleaning, especially if you’re out in the field and don’t want to risk damaging the gun with dirt or grit buildup. It’s also a handy safety feature because you can store the trigger separately, making the gun completely inoperable when you’re not using it.
Easy Unloading Without Cycling the Bolt
A simple but useful feature is the “Easy Out” magazine unloading system. You don’t need to cycle the bolt to unload shells from the magazine, which makes it way easier to clear the gun. It’s one of those things you don’t appreciate until you’re out hunting or just shooting out back, trying to empty your shotgun without fumbling around.
Built to Last: No Plastic Parts Here
One thing I really respect about Retay is that they didn’t cheap out on materials. The receiver and trigger group are made entirely from aluminum—no pressed plastic parts like you see on some other high-end shotguns. This gives you peace of mind that the gun is built to last. Plus, they use a Black-Chrome barrel finish instead of traditional bluing. Black Chrome is tougher, more resistant to wear and tear, and honestly, it just looks better.
>>> check out Retay online <<<
FAQs About the Retay Masai Mara
1. What is a 12-gauge typically used for?
- The 12-gauge is an all-around shotgun, commonly used for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense. With a range of different shells available—like birdshot, buckshot, and slugs—it can handle everything from small game like quail and ducks to larger animals like deer. It’s also a great option for clay shooting or skeet, and many people prefer it for home defense because of its stopping power at close range.
2. Why choose a 12-gauge over other options?
- Power and versatility. The 12-gauge strikes a great balance between having enough power to take down bigger game or stop an intruder, while still being manageable in terms of recoil (especially with the right loads). It’s also one of the most widely used gauges, so finding ammo is usually easy, and you have a lot of options to tailor the gun to your needs.
3. Does the Retay Masai Mara break down easily for maintenance?
- Yes, and that’s one of its best features. The push-button trigger group removal allows you to strip it down for cleaning in seconds. This is super useful in the field where you might need to give it a quick clean if it gets dirty or gummed up. Plus, the quick breakdown makes it easier to store safely by keeping the trigger separate.
4. Why is being able to remove the trigger a good thing?
- Removing the trigger serves two main purposes. First, it allows you to clean and maintain the gun easily. Second, it’s a safety feature. When the trigger is removed, the gun can’t be fired, which adds an extra layer of security when storing the shotgun, especially if you have kids or need to lock it away.
5. Is the Inertia Plus System really that much better?
- For me, yes. The Inertia Plus System solves an annoying problem with some inertia-driven shotguns: getting jarred out of battery. Retay’s system keeps the bolt securely in place, so you’re less likely to miss a shot due to the action being out of sync. It’s not something you’ll notice until it happens—then you’ll be grateful it’s no longer an issue.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Retay Masai Mara 12-gauge is a solid shotgun that’s built with care and attention to detail. It performs well out of the box, handles smoothly, and has features that make it a joy to maintain and use in the field. If you’re looking for something reliable, durable, and versatile, this shotgun ticks all the boxes without being flashy. And really, sometimes less flash and more substance is exactly what you need in a firearm.
