Door breaching

The breacher will aim to hit the door near the locking mechanism, but not kick the doorknob itself as one can easily twist an ankle doing so.

Lockpicking with traditional lock picks is a minimally destructive method but is relatively slow and requires a trained operator.

Other tools, like sledgehammers or battering rams (like the enforcer), concentrate a large amount of kinetic force on the door to defeat the locking mechanism.

Weapons used can range from various small arms to a 120mm tank gun, which will easily breach most obstacles, though the force involved may violate the rules of engagement.

While in theory other firearms can be used, handguns are usually underpowered[21] and rifles are less effective than the shotgun and pose a far higher risk of ricochet and collateral injury.

[5] There are also breaching shotgun systems which can be mounted to a rifle to avoid the issue of managing two weapons.

Examples include the KAC Masterkey, Ciener Ultimate Over/Under, M26 MASS, Metal Storm MAUL, and Crye Six12.

[4][5][23] Breaching a door with the fewest shots possible is faster and reduces the chance of collateral damage.

This process provides the best chance of hitting the desired point, while minimizing risk to occupants of the room being breached.

[4] Muzzle attachments are available on some specialized breaching shotguns to facilitate this operation, by holding the barrel securely in place while providing a slight standoff to allow powder gases to escape.

A hinge-side breach calls for a total of three shots per hinge followed by an attempt to open the door.

[27] The explosive method of entry can be a safe and effective tool in the hands of qualified breachers.

Using the minimum amount of explosives necessary produces the least shockwave which reduces standoff distance for the team, potential injury to occupants, and damage to the general vicinity.

The minimum standoff distance is calculated based on the amount and type of explosive placed and is used to ensure that breachers do not experience greater than 4 psi (28 kPa) of overpressure.

[29] Blast overpressure dissipates quickly in open air so it is ideal for creating standoff distance but it is not always available depending on tactical circumstances.

Soldiers hit upon the idea to use saline-filled IV bags, which are commonly carried by medics, for such tamping and the practice spread to police organizations as well.