Shooting gloves are those gloves that were specifically designed to protect the hands and lower arms of firearm users against the forces of recoil, from barrel heat, chemical residue and debris. Shooting gloves are worn by recreational, competitive, and tactical shooters. Shooting gloves provide the shooter with firmer and more confident grips in a variety of weather conditions and physical environments. Extra padding and wrist protection affords the user protection against repetitive use injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, when shooting for prolong periods of time in range situations. If not protected during long competitions, range situations or firefights, the users will inevitably suffer trauma that results in swollen thumbs, swollen fingers, tingling in the hands and writes and tingling in the lower arm. Wearing a well-fitting shooting glove designed for specific shooting needs greatly reduces the chances of incurring these use repetitive use-related injuries.
Shooting gloves are designed to incorporate several key elements in their construction to enhance shooting proficiency. First, a good shooting glove should feature a non-slip gripping feature such as textured leather strips strategically places on all gripping surfaces of the hand. These special strips enable the user to keep proper control of the gun at all times. Secondly, shooting gloves shells should be constructed as thinly as possible so that the shooter can have the feel of the firearm in his hands. All good shooting gloves offer maximum protection to the user’s hands and lower arms.
In today’s market, there is literally a shooting gun for every application ranging from general use by hunters and casual target shooter, shooting competition enthusiasts, skeet shooters, police and military training and operational uses. Within each of these types, shooting gloves come in a wide range of quality, prices, sizes and materials. All shooting gloves come in full and half-finger versions.
General purpose shooting gloves have common design features which include an average cuff length to protect the base of the hand and wrist. All shooting gloves should be form fitting and made from supple materials that afford the user maximum sensitivity and flexibility while shooting. General purpose shooting gloves are made from a wide variety of man-made and synthetic materials. Well-made shooting gloves commonly incorporate several materials used in the construction of the shell, finger and palm grips. Cold weather versions’ shells are made from waterproof, breathable factors and lined with specialty thermal fabrics that will also wick moisture away from the body to help warm the hand for longer periods of time.
All General Shooting Gloves Come In Full Finger Versions
Some models are equipped with removable index fingers (nose pickers) that allow the shooter better feel of the firearm. Most manufacturers offer a wide range of sizes for use by men or women. Full finger versions, however, may not be the best options for some women or for individuals who have a significantly shorter “pinky” finger. All too often, women find themselves stuck between two sizes of gloves. One size down and the fingers of the shooting glove are too tight and lack flexibility. One size up and the gloves excess material impedes or negates control of the firearm. The best option in these cases is the half-finger version of the shooting glove. The finger tips and first joint of the finger are exposed for ultimate feel of the firearm.
Tactical Shooting Gloves are shooting gloves specifically designed for heavy duty use and are marketed for use by the military or police in tactical assaults or for riot control. This class of shooting glove is designed to be used in close quarter fighting or in areas rough terrains. Tactical shooting glove design features include padding over the knuckles and back of hand and reinforced palms. These gloves are available in full and half-finger versions. Full finger versions of tactical shooting gloves are bulky when compared to full finger versions of general shooting gloves. Heavy-duty designs afford the wearer protection in operations that may involve fast ropes, rappelling or breaking down doors. Extra padding in the forward portions of the hand affords high powered rifle users protection against the wear and tear of the gun sling. Tactical shooting gloves are also used by competition enthusiasts and handgun users.
All weather tactical shooting gloves are made from soft yet durable leather. Common construction material used by the military, police for daily use and on ranges is Neoprene. This supple material offers the user optimal tactile capabilities where fine motor control is necessary. Cold weather tactical gloves come in premium fleece material and feature reinforced stitching. Fleece versions of the tactical shooting glove are warm and close fitting. The palms of these cold weather tactical shooting gloves have textured leather stripping to maximize grip where fingers and palms meet the surface of the firearm.
Cold Weather Shooting Gloves, as the name implies, are designed for outdoor use in cool to cold weather conditions. Modern materials used in the construction of these gloves allow the shell of the glove to conform to the contours of the hand. Many cold weather shooting gloves can be used in both wet and dry conditions depending upon the materials used. Cold weather shooting gloves are, in most cases, constructed of multiple layers of man-made thermal fabrics. Cuff construction in most cold weather gloves features longer ribbed or elastic cuffs to reduce cold air flow to the hand and wrist. Ergonomically placed palm patches and finger grips are constructed of materials that remain supple as outdoor temperatures plunge.
Many high-power handgun uses prefer half-finger shooting gloves as they expose the finger tips for maximum feel of the weapon. Extra padding and lengthened middle fingers in these gloves add an extra measure of protection to the wearer especially in competition or practice range situations. Most shells are double layered and padded in the section of the glove that covers the area between the thumb and index finger and the underside of the index finger soaking up recoil for smooth, all-day shooting. Palms of most gloves are constructed of extra supple materials for comfortable protection and superior gloves. In most cases, cuffs of handgun shooting gloves are snug fitting and provide maximum protection of the wrist.
Shooting gloves are more than firearm accessories. Shooting gloves are designed to protect the hands and lower arms of firearm users against the forces of recoil, from barrel heat, chemical residue and debris. Well-designed shooting gloves essentially extend the proficiency of their user by providing stability and control in all shooting situations.