Special Ops Marine - Breaching Shotgun

A U.S. Marine prepares to use a M1014 semi-automatic shotgun to make a ballistic entry through a door while training with the Methods Of Entry School (MOES), Weapons Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA.

The MOES at Quantico teaches Marines assigned to f.a.s.t. Companies, Recapture Tactics Teams, Special Reaction Teams, Force Reconnaissance Companies, Reconnaissance Battalion, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Special Operations Training Group (SOTG) in various methods of entry techniques.

These may include explosive, thermal, mechanical and ballistic (as shown here).

Shotguns used for breaching would typically be loaded with M1030 breaching rounds, the projectile of which comprises powdered steel bound with wax.

These rounds are designed to shoot out hinges and locks from doors while minimizing the risk of ricochets or penetration through into the room - a danger with traditional slug or buck shot loads.