Redfield Vector Review: Academy's Retay-Built 12 Gauge Cycles It All

The short version: The Redfield Vector is an inertia-driven 12-gauge semi-auto built by Turkey's Retay and sold only at Academy Sports, and Athlon's reviewer found it ran everything from light trap loads to heavy waterfowl shells without trouble.

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Redfield used to be a riflescope name. Academy Sports bought the brand from Leupold in 2021 and, instead of sticking to optics, stretched it into safes, cases, accessories and now guns. The Vector comes from a partnership with Retay and shares that maker's deep-bore-drilled barrel, which Retay claims is stronger than hammer forging.

Light loads are where cheap semi-autos often stumble, so the test started with Winchester AA Xtra-Lite trap shells. The Vector cycled them, then did the same with heavy waterfowl loads. The reviewer also liked the soft but firm recoil pad, the stepped vent rib and the matte metal, and noted cast and pitch shims, a three-shot plug and included sling swivels. On the downside, the controls are small, the bolt release is stiff, and the recoil pad is proprietary.

The review doesn't list a price, but the reviewer says the gun offers features usually found on shotguns that cost hundreds more. With waterfowl season close, it's worth a look at Academy if you want a working semi-auto without spending big.

Key specs

• Gauge: 12, 3-inch chamber
• Action: semi-auto, inertia-operated
• Barrel: 28 inches, deep-bore-drilled, stepped ventilated rib
• Overall length: 49.25 inches
• Weight: 7 lb 9 oz empty
• Stock: synthetic, Mossy Oak New Bottomlands camo, cast and pitch shims
• Length of pull: 14.76 inches advertised (14.312 measured on the test gun)
• Sights: fiber-optic front, brass mid-bead; receiver dovetailed and drilled and tapped
• Chokes: five Crio-pattern tubes included
• Capacity: 3+1, with three-shot adapter
• Trigger: 4 lb 15 oz as tested
• Availability: Academy Sports only

Summary by GunWinner based on reporting by Athlon Outdoors. Deal links are affiliate links; GunWinner may earn a commission. Prices change quickly, so confirm at checkout.