A good set of shooting gloves can enhance your comfort out on the range and keep you safe from some common minor injuries. Shooting gloves don’t have to cost a lot to be really good. They are all very affordable and worth the investment.
Regular work gloves are typically too bulky to offer the dexterity required to shoot well. This is why you need to find a pair of shooting gloves that fit well. In this article, I will show you a variety of shooting gloves to fit all budgets.
Table of Contents
Benefits of shooting gloves
Heat protection
It doesn’t take many rounds for a barrel to get hot. Sure, you may be careful, but it is still easy to accidentally touch hot metal. Heat is even more of a factor if you are shooting in the summer or in a hot climate.
Cold protection
If you’ve ever tried to do anything that requires hand dexterity during the winter, you know how challenging it can be if your hands are cold. Thick and bulky gloves also hinder your ability to effectively execute fine finger movements.
Injury protection
Cuts and scrapes can happen. Although it is less common for experienced shooters, there are many new gun owners out there. I can say from experience that it really hurts for your hand to get popped by a slide. I had a scar for a few years after I first shot a semi-auto. Despite having been around guns my entire life, I had only shot rifles and revolvers up to that point.
Recoil reduction
Shooting can take a toll on your hands over the course of the day. Reducing impact is one of the things gloves are great at.
Mechanix M-Pact Covert Tactical Gloves
These affordable gloves are suitable for many tasks that require a full range of motion. They are designed for mechanics that need a lot of protection while performing repairs.
The backs of these gloves feature heavy-duty thermoplastic rubber for maximum abrasion resistance. D-30 palm padding absorbs impacts and shock, which can come in handy if you’re shooting all day, especially with larger weapons.
Get our ultimate survival kit Checklist for $27.00 Free!
Find the Right Equipment for Your Situation (and Learn How to Use It) WITHOUT Spending 50+ Hours Researching, Sourcing, and Stressing…
Fit is important.
Sometimes, you can get away with a work glove that’s a little loose, but you want as precise a fit as possible with a shooting glove. Measure your hand before ordering, especially if you are buying a brand you’ve never worn before.
Also, consider whether your fingers are big. A glove could be long enough, but the fingers may still be too tight. This can make finding the right fit a little more challenging. Most gloves have a bit of stretch to accommodate various sizes, but how much depends on the glove. However, most sellers have a good return policy if you get the wrong size.
Some gloves come in women’s and men’s sizes. This can be helpful, and you may be better off with a glove made for the opposite gender. A man with long fingers or smaller hands may find that “women’s” gloves fit better, whereas a woman with large hands may like “men’s” gloves better. It doesn’t matter what the tag says; buy what gives you the best fit and performance.
Consult With Survival Pros
For Those Serious About Their Family's Life-Assurance Plan (and Not Just Life Insurance)
Learn More
PIG Full Dexterity gloves are designed to offer full movement and protection simultaneously. The hook and loop closure system ensure they don’t slip or come off at the wrong time.
These gloves have some stretch to them, so they mold to fit your hand better than some gloves. They’re vented, so you get good airflow in hot or sweaty conditions. These gloves are fully touch screen compatible, and they come in women’s sizes.
Caldwell Ultimate Shooting Gloves
I like that these gloves’ lightweight material is reinforced with a leather patch to prevent the dreaded slide bite.
Elastic backing and rubberized palms ensure full dexterity when handling and shooting firearms. The palms are padded for good recoil shock absorption when shooting handguns.
These gloves are slim fitting and designed to be worn all day comfortably. They are thin but still protect from abrasions. The hook and loop closure system allow a great fit. The fingers have a textured grip that is touch screen compatible.
TitanOPS Hard Knuckle Shooting Gloves
The Titan OPS Hard Knuckle Gloves offer heavy-duty protection. They’re made of microfiber, leather Lycra, and nylon. These gloves breathe well, and they keep your hands warm in colder conditions. Combine these gloves with a pair of shooting glasses and hearing protection and you will be ready for a day at the range or out in the field.
Interlocking textured silicon stripes on the fingers ensure a firm non-slip grip. The central part of the glove is made of durable synthetic suede. These gloves offer maximum dexterity with their multiple layers of breathable Lycra at critical points. Adjustable Velcro straps on the back secure the gloves to your hands.
Wild Hare Competition Shooting Gloves
These gloves are made of elasticized fabric and microfiber. The result is a stretchy and comfortable fit. The soft palm provides maximum sensitivity, something that is very important when competing on a range. However, I don’t think these gloves would hold up well in more tactical situations. They are also not padded, so they have little effect on recoil. For a competition glove, this is one to consider.
Exclusive Survival Gear Deals
Access survival equipment we’ve fully tested so we can recommend it to you.
Orvis Men’s Uplander Shooting Gloves
These gloves are very nice-looking full sheepskin gloves designed to allow good hand dexterity. Customers report that these gloves perform well while hunting in 30 mph winds. The gloves are unlined and feature long cuffs to protect from briers and brush.
5.11 makes a wide range of tactical gear. These gloves are assembled in the USA, which is rare for gloves. They secure your hands with a hook and loop closure. Internally padded knuckles offer impact and abrasion resistance. The palm is abrasion-resistant suede that has been tested to meet rigorous requirements. The 5.11 tactical glove has fingers with ring-cut microfiber strips for extra grip and notched index and thumb gussets for flexibility.
Glove Station Fingerless Tactical Gloves
If you are looking for a glove that offers you good abrasion resistance, dexterity, and breathability, you might want to consider a fingerless glove. These gloves offer outstanding hard knuckle protection and a PU leather palm. Mesh helps these gloves breathe well. They would be a good choice for shooting in hot conditions.
Hatch Specialist Police Duty Gloves
These gloves have the distinction of being one of the longest-selling duty gloves. They’re designed to be worn for long periods of time while offering ultimate flexibility and grip. The SynsiFeel Synthetic palm has Extreme Grip reinforcements.
Hatch designed these gloves to be easy to clean and disinfect, which is a nice feature even if you don’t work with the public. These gloves come in a wide range of sizes. If you have really small or really large hands, this is a glove to consider.
Survival Tips in Your Inbox
Get straight to the survival points when you join the Ready To Go Survival newsletter.
- Gain life-saving knowledge
- Build critical survival skills
- Access exclusive deals for survival gear
HYCOPROT Fingerless Tactical Gloves
For a nice fingerless option, this is a very affordable glove. They’re made of 100% knitted nylon with a microfiber EVA thickened knuckle area. These gloves are lightweight and breathe well. These are ideal for activities for which you want your fingers free, and the rest of your hand protected and supported.
Hot Shot Men’s Camo Aggressor Gloves
These gloves are for hunting and shooting in cold and rugged conditions. The breathable Aqua E4 insert keeps your hands dry. The palm and fingers feature PU leather that is touchscreen compatible. The gloves feature 200 grams of polyfill insulation and are double stitched for ultimate durability. These are a real bargain for the cold weather hunter.
Orvis Men’s Waterproof Hunting Gloves
Orvis makes quality outdoor gear. These gloves are made to last, but they’re the most expensive on this list. They feature a breathable liner that keeps your hands dry without sacrificing dexterity. Waterproof sheepskin on the palm, first two fingers, and thumb provide good flexibility. The waterproof liner is firmly attached to the outer layers, so the layers do not shift or bunch. Considering the protection they offer, these are thin and lightweight gloves.
Youth Sized Gloves
Many people shoot with their kids and teens or take them on hunting trips. In this section, I provide some options in smaller sizes. Youth sizes may fit some women, possibly even better than standard women’s sizes.
These gloves come in sizes for toddlers through 14-year-olds. With 40 grams of 3M insulate insulation, 2 mm of foam backing, and polyfill, this is a good glove for winter conditions. A non-slip palm patch helps youth keep a good grip on their gun and other gear. The waterproof insert ensures that hands stay dry and comfortable.
Huntworth Youth Insulated Hunting Gloves
These gloves only come in sizes for youth ages 4 − 7. They have a waterproof liner and feature 40 grams of Thinsulate insulation. There is an antimicrobial coating on the liner to reduce odors. A palm pad helps ensure a good grip out in the field.
Seibertron Adult or Youth Shooting Gloves
Seibertron gloves come in a wide range of sizes suitable for kids to adults. They’re made of durable synthetic leather, polyester, and nylon. The hook and loop closure make it virtually impossible for this glove to slip off your hand. With padding and abrasion resistance in all the key places, this is an affordable glove that offers a snug and comfortable fit.
Consider the types of shooting you will do.
Some gloves are better for some situations than others. For example, you may do a lot of hunting and need a warmer glove that is also waterproof. However, if you want gloves to throw in a bug-out bag, you may want something more rugged with better knuckle protection.
Those who shoot a lot may find that they need a few different gloves. For example, thin gloves feel good, but you may want extra padding when shooting large caliber handguns.
Consider the longevity of a glove.
No glove will last forever. Thinner, more flexible gloves offer comfort and dexterity but will probably wear out faster than thicker gloves with special coatings.
My advice is to have two pairs of shooting gloves. One pair for situations in which you just want light protection and another pair for more severe and rugged conditions. Not using your thinner gloves in rugged conditions will help them last longer.
A note on recoil
If your main reason for buying shooting gloves is to reduce recoil, realize that while a good glove can help, they have their limitations. If you are having a lot of trouble with recoil, it may be time to evaluate how you are holding your gun and your shooting position. It is common for new gun owners to make mistakes in how they handle their firearms. A few minor adjustments can make a big difference.
That being said, choosing a handgun that is suitable for your size is also essential. You don’t need the biggest gun for it to be effective.
Faq
Most people do not always wear gloves when shooting a firearm. Gloves do have an effect on how the gun feels in your hand that some people do not like. Gloves are recommended when shooting guns for a long period of time or if you are shooting larger guns, especially handguns. You should practice shooting with and without gloves so that you can operate your firearm well under a variety of circumstances.
Some shooters choose fingerless gloves because they can help improve feel and dexterity. Fingerless gloves are also sometimes favored by those that smoke or want to use a touchscreen whenever they want. A lot of gloves are touchscreen compatible even if they are not fingerless.
Unlike some tactical gear, there is no expiration date or major reason to replace gloves until they start to abrade a lot or get holes in them. If your weight changes dramatically you may need to get a different size. Gloves with a lot of extra pads to protect against abrasions will last longer than thinner gloves but they impact dexterity and feeling.
Cleaning Shooting Gloves
Gloves can get dirty fast. It is essential to follow the care instructions for your glove. Some are machine washable but must be air-dried. For longer-lasting gloves, I recommend handwashing them in a sink and air drying. For genuine leather gloves, you need a leather cleaner or saddle soap. For more cleaning tips, check out this post.
Conclusion
Shooting gloves can help protect your hands and keep you comfortable out on the range and in defensive situations. Padding in the palms can help absorb some recoil and reduce hand and wrist fatigue when shooting for extended periods.
The right fit is critical. Never wear shooting gloves that are too big, bulky, or saggy. This will impact your performance, and it can be a safety hazard.
If you shoot a lot, you will probably want several pairs of gloves for different requirements and conditions. Remember that shooting gloves are just part of your safety kit. A good pair of ballistic glasses and shooting ear protection is also essential.
Our Sponsor
Get Our Ultimate Survival Kit Checklist for FREE!
Consult with Survival Pros
Not life insurance, but life assurance. For those who want to be Ready To Go in any emergency.
Learn More
Leave a comment