In Afghanistan and Iraq, troops successfully used 12 gauge shotguns as an "organic ballistic door breaching tool" to blow down doors on raids. Troops from the 75th Ranger Regiment and the 10th Mountain Division were the first to use this method. This technique has long been used by police in the United States. There are a number of special "door breaching shotguns" available, for about $300 and up. Most have no stock, just a pistol grip and barrel length varying from 10 to 22 inches (and shell capacity likewise varying from three to nine rounds.) The lightest versions, with three round magazine, weigh only 5.5 pounds. One or two shots will usually knock down most doors, especially when special shot (for knocking down doors) is used.
