The need to breach doors is nothing new to law enforcement. However, modern methods have gone well beyond the brute force of early law enforcers. One of the modern methods is shotgun breaching, and Carlson’s Choke Tubes of Atwood, Kansas has recently released its Tactical Breacher’s Muzzle Brake.
As with many great products, Carlson’s Choke Tubes come from a small American town. The company’s products pack a big punch in the shotgun world. Its choke tubes are well-known in the hunting world, and with the addition of their Tactical Muzzle Brakes, Carlson’s is now prepared to offer law enforcement a tool to improve breaching potential and performance.
The Mossberg 590A1, with 9-shot capacity, is capable of seating the Carlson’s Tactical Breacher’s Muzzle Brake .
Tactical Breacher Muzzle Brake
The Carlson’s Tactical Breacher Muzzle Brake is a tool designed to assist officers in breaching, and provides blast dispersion to reduce felt recoil and muzzle rise. Made of 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, the Breacher Muzzle Brake is a great addition to a police officer shotgun and is offered in either Cylinder or Extra Full constriction.
The Cylinder design may be used with all shot, including steel, and even slugs. The Extra Full design cannot be used with slugs, but can still be used with steel shot up to #2 buck.
There are several key benefits:
- Stand-off distance to protect the muzzle
- Prominent teeth for positive seating on door frames
- Vented design to reduce muzzle rise during firing
- Simple twist-on attachment.
The Carlson’s Tactical Breacher’s Muzzle Brake has an MSRP of $119.95.
In addition to a design tailored to breaching doors, the stainless steel with breaching teeth will also provide officers with a very nice window breaking option that protects against debris clogging the muzzle. The Carlson’s Tactical Breacher’s Muzzle Brake is compatible with the following manufacturer’s:
- Mossberg
- Winchester
- Browning Invector
- Ruger (Pre-1993)
- Savage Arms
- Weatherby.
How to Use a Breaching Shotgun
Breaching doors and windows with a shotgun should not be taken lightly. Officers should be fully trained on the proper methods, shotgun placement, and round selection.
Nothing in this article should be used as a replacement for actual range instruction with an experienced trainer and hands-on use. Do not attempt anything in this article without proper training.
Important: This method of breaching doors can be construed as the use of deadly force if performed improperly and without necessary safety precautions. Unless you’ve been through breached training, do not attempt any of the following.
When windows are being breached officers should strongly consider keeping the barrel empty until after the breach, or at a minimum ensure the muzzle does not penetrate the window in the likely direction of subjects behind the window. Please read our article Safe Window Breaking.
The proper method of breaching doors with a shotgun are:
- Use only specially designed breaching rounds or birdshot no larger than #7
- Stand at approximately a 45-degree angle to the hinges
- Only aim for the top and bottom hinges of the door
- Aim the shotgun either 45-degrees up or down
- Place the muzzle against the door frame – The Carlson’s Tactical Breacher’s Muzzle Brake digs into the frame for superior stability.
- Wear appropriate eye, ear and ballistic protection
Having a shotgun for breaching can be particularly beneficial once officers are inside a structure and in the confined spaces of a hallway where traditional rams and breaching bars are much more difficult, if not impossible to use.
In addition, doors with multiple locks can prove difficult for rams, where defeating the hinges can allow entry in seconds.
Release Information
This is the original press release information provided by Carlson’s on the Tactical Breacher’s Muzzle Brake:
The New Carlson’s Tactical Breacher’s Muzzle Brake choke tube features a porting designed to reduce recoil significantly.
This new choke tube is manufactured from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel in your choice of either Cylinder or Extra Full constriction.
The Cylinder Choke Tube may be used with ALL shot shells including Lead, Steel, Hevi-Shot, and even slugs! The Extra Full choke tube can be used with all Hevi-Shot and lead loads (but is not to be used with slugs and cannot be used with any Steel shot larger than #2 or with any Steel shot faster than 1550FPS).
The Extra Full constriction is also an excellent choice for hunters using larger shot sizes for coyotes, wild hogs and deer.
The NEW Tactical Choke Tube has a head that extends approximately 2.75” beyond the end of the barrel and features a matte black finish. The addition of this new choke will not only make any ordinary shotgun look extraordinary, but also significantly reduce recoil allowing for better control of your firearm and quicker follow-up shots. Perfect for Law Enforcement or Home Defense.
These chokes are proudly made in the USA and feature Carlson’s lifetime warranty!
The police shotgun is still a very viable and versatile weapon.
Final Thoughts
A breaching shotgun can greatly speed the dynamic entry into a locked area. When performing a hostage rescue or other emergency action, speed can be a critical factor in achieving success.
The Tactical Breacher Muzzle Brake from Carlson’s Choke Tubes is an excellent accessory that can help in this critical operation. Made in the USA, these brakes allow you to dig into the door frame and get that precise shot placement under stress. The quality of the brake ensures a lifetime of service.
I highly recommend you check these out.
Where to Buy
If you are interested in purchasing the Carlson’s Tactical Breacher Brake, this affiliate link will take you to Optics Planet to buy it below MSRP.
Update: The company added a new version of the Breacher Brake called the Breacher Choke Tube. These have less machine work but are built to the same level of quality as the original design. The new Breacher Choke Tubes are about half the price and can be picked up here.
Optics Planet is a trusted company that I’ve done business with. I recommend them for their fast shipping and good prices.
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