Breaching Doors with Tactical Shotguns

Published on September 26, 2025
Duration: 10:47

This video demonstrates tactical door breaching techniques using a Mossberg 590 mag-fed shotgun equipped with a standoff device. It covers breaching lock mechanisms with dedicated rounds and attacking door hinges, emphasizing proper angles and ammunition selection. The instructor highlights the effectiveness of compressed zinc breaching rounds and discusses the limitations of birdshot for such applications.

Quick Summary

Tactical door breaching with a shotgun involves specific techniques and ammunition. A standoff device allows safe muzzle contact, while dedicated breaching rounds like compressed zinc disintegrate on impact. For hinges, an upward angle and two shots per hinge are recommended, focusing on the hinge pin.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Tactical Shotguns & Breaching
  2. 00:23Shotgun Setup: Mossberg 590 Mag-Fed with Standoff
  3. 00:30Understanding the Standoff Device
  4. 01:04Choke Tubes and Ammunition Types
  5. 01:13Mag-Fed System and Breaching Rounds
  6. 01:21Compressed Zinc Breaching Ammunition Explained
  7. 01:36Zombie Apocalypse vs. Real-World Breaching
  8. 01:57Breaching a Deadbolt Door: Target Area
  9. 02:16Safe Breaching Angle: Downward Attack
  10. 02:41Breaching the Lock Mechanism with Compressed Zinc
  11. 03:10Effectiveness of Dedicated Breaching Loads
  12. 03:39Testing Birdshot for Door Breaching
  13. 03:56Breaching with Birdshot: Technique
  14. 04:13Birdshot Breaching Results & Rule of Thumb
  15. 04:37Second Attempt: Attacking the Door Jam
  16. 05:16Addressing Door Hinges
  17. 05:37Hinge Breaching Math and Numbers
  18. 05:45Locating Hinges on a Covered Door
  19. 06:10Breaching Hinges: Rounds per Hinge
  20. 06:20Hinge Breaching Angle: In and Back
  21. 06:32Estimating Hinge Location by Hand
  22. 07:03Staggered Ammunition Loadout for Hinges
  23. 07:30Breaching the Top Hinge
  24. 07:50Confirming Hinge Breach and Standoff Utility
  25. 08:02Breaching the Center Hinge
  26. 08:20Breaching the Bottom Hinge
  27. 08:55Results of Staggered Loadout on Hinges
  28. 09:07Interior vs. Exterior Door Breaching Considerations
  29. 09:19Frangible Rounds as an Alternative
  30. 09:24Mossberg 590 Standoff Version Recap
  31. 10:09Final Hinge Breach Confirmation
  32. 10:29Importance of Angles in Breaching

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a standoff device on a tactical shotgun used for door breaching?

A standoff device on a tactical shotgun's muzzle allows the operator to safely press the firearm directly against a door surface during breaching. This prevents damage to the barrel and muzzle, ensuring the weapon can be used effectively in close-quarters scenarios without compromising its integrity.

What type of ammunition is recommended for tactical door breaching with a shotgun?

Dedicated breaching rounds, such as those made from compressed zinc, are highly recommended. These rounds are designed to disintegrate upon impact with hard surfaces, minimizing dangerous secondary projectiles and ensuring a more controlled breach.

How should one approach breaching door hinges with a shotgun?

When breaching door hinges, an upward angled approach is recommended to split the hinge and hit the pin. A general rule is to use two rounds per hinge, aiming for specific locations approximately 7 inches from the top and bottom, and 4 inches above the door handle.

Can birdshot be used for tactical door breaching?

While birdshot might have some effect on softer materials, it is generally not recommended for breaching hardened door mechanisms or hinges. Dedicated breaching rounds offer superior penetration and controlled fragmentation, making them a safer and more effective choice.

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