Need some protection for your hands from weekend shooting to busting down doors?
We bought a bunch of the most popular tactical shooting gloves out there and tested them through thick and thin over several years.
By the end of this article, you’ll know which gloves to choose to make your shooting trip a little easier.
THE QUICK LIST
-
Best Overall Shooting Gloves
-
Runner-Up Shooting Gloves
-
More Protective Shooting Gloves
-
Most Affordable Shooting Gloves
-
Best Women’s Shooting Gloves
Table of Contents
Loading…
How We Tested The Best Shooting Gloves
We tested the best shooting gloves by shooting with them! A lot…from competitions to drills, classes, and hunting trips. And in all sorts of inclement weather.
And besides being hands-on with guns, we also focused on how the gloves interacted with phone screens.
We’ve also been through several iterations of our favorite models since keep in mind that good shooting gloves are a consumable item. And have updated the article with some newer market models.
While testing, we focused on what’s important to civilian shooters:
- price/value
- fit
- touch-screen capability
- durability
- usability shooting handguns & rifles
Fit Comparison
If you have the best glove out there, and it fits like a grocery bag or a kid’s mitten…it’s not going to work out.
Here are the measurements of my hand so you can compare them when I go over the sizing. Overall I have skinny wrists, not much of a palm swell, and long fingers.
Now let’s get to it…
Best Shooting Gloves
1. 221B Tactical Recon Gloves
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Second-skin-like fit
- Great touch screen capability
- Super grippy
Cons
- Not a fan of the large logo
My new favorite shooting glove has to be the 221B Tactical Recon gloves.
Quick side note…I’m a big nerd and had to look it up…221B is the address of Sherlock Holmes.
But back to the gloves!
They truly are second-skin.
I’m especially amazed at how they got the finger tips correctly fit (at least for me). Normally they are always a little boxy.
And the grip on the insides is next-level, durable, and the index fingers and thumbs are great for touchscreen use.
I sized slightly down to the Medium since I re-measured myself and was a tad over 7.5″ for their chart.
I trained with these for three months in the gym and on the range for the Wolverine 5K and there’s still nothing flaking off.
The thinness helped with all the gun tasks easily and also in the physical CrossFit-like challenges where extra grip was an advantage.
And although there’s no cinch-down tab, I never found it a problem to don them on or off.
They come in a couple colors and the only knock I have is that if you’re going non-black, the XX logo is a little more present than I’d like and reminds me of the marks they give underage people at bars.
If you can get around that…these are my go-to gloves for shooting. It’s not going to keep you very warm or protect you against big bumps and spills.
But if trigger finger dexterity and minor protection from weather, scrapes, and hot gun parts is the main goal…go with the Recons.
2. SKD Tactical PIG FDT Alpha Gloves
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Very dexterous while still protective
- Screen touch enabled
- Able to cinch down wrist strap
Cons
- Gets worn down on trigger finger
My previous favorite shooting glove…the Alpha version of the PIG FDTs.
The thicker OG version…I think this glove checks all the boxes. Still super dexterous while having some additional protection. All the while fitting like…a glove.
However, the fingers are a little more boxy compared to the previous Recons.
I went with large on this.
I’ve used these gloves the most, and they’ve handled pistols, ARs, reload magazines, and moved couches perfectly. A little slower to dry since it’s thicker and has some synthetic suede.
Some stats:
- Touch-screen enabled index/thumb
- Isolated trigger finger material
- Dual-joint trigger finger
You can see a lot of it is giving dexterity for the trigger finger, and it shows in those knuckle breaks. It’s almost the same as the Delta but with more warmth and protection.
Plus, I like having the ability to tighten the wrist strap.
Lastly, it has a nice soft material behind the thumb…again great for your nose or cleaning lenses.
See them in action!
The most expensive on the list but if you shoot a lot or value protection/dexterity a littler higher…I recommend the Alpha gloves.
And keep in mind that shooting gloves are consumables.
The more you use them, the quicker they will get chewed up. Here’s an example of a two-year old Alpha that saw a good amount of weekends of hard use.
You’ll see that trigger fingers and other hard use areas will be the first to go. But I rather don’t mind having my trigger finger exposed since it’s even more tactile.
3. Magpul Patrol Glove 2.0
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Knuckle protection
- Premium leather palm
Cons
- Not as good for touchscreens
Looking for a little more protection?
The Magpul Patrol Glove 2.0 has thicker knuckle padding…
And a nice protective and soft leather palm.
I went with a size Medium based on the below chart and it fit very well.
I like wearing these if I know I’ll be not only shooting but also fixing or building up something at the range.
The most important thing is that the trigger finger is still plenty dexterous for shooting both pistols and rifles.
And it’s not as great for using the touchscreen as the 221B or PIG gloves…at least with your index finger. You’ll have to use that black part on the tip of the thumb.
It’s ok for scrolling but if you’re typing, it’s not going to be easy.
But if you’re doing some more demanding stuff where you want to protect your knuckles and palms…while still being able to shoot…the Magpul Patrol Glove 2.0 is a great choice.
4. Mechanix FastFit Gloves
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Very affordable
- Jack of all trades
Cons
- Not as form fitting
- Restricted for handgun shooting
I’ve had a couple of regular Mechanix original gloves for shop work, but the few times I took them to the range, I felt their fingers were a little too bulky for some firearm tasks.
Enter…their FastFit Gloves.
I wore mediums and using their sizing chart, I re-confirmed I was indeed medium.
Here are some other useful stats:
- $15-20
- Synthetic leather and spandex
- Touch-screen enabled
- Fast-drying
- Elastic cuff
They didn’t fit quite right because of my palm size. You can see there’s a lot of gap in there.
And the cut between the index finger and thumb is a little restricting for handgun shooting; rifles are fine.
Also very thin, so they are great for dexterity, but not very warm or heat resistant if that’s your thing.
But for under $20 and pretty good durability from what I’ve seen from friends…you can’t go wrong for a first pair of shooting gloves, especially if you have slightly meatier hands.
5. SKD Tactical PIG FDT Charlie Gloves (Women)
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Optimized for female hands
- Touchscreen enabled
The women’s version of my favorite gloves…SKD’s PIG FDT Charlie.
SKD sent these to me for testing after my original article. My wife has small hands but relatively fat fingers (her words).
Her measurements pointed her towards the small size, but it felt very snug against her fingers. It wasn’t so tight to be constricting, but it should loosen as she wears them more.
Same great feel and ability to move her trigger finger. Plus, she made sure it still worked on smartphones.
Our current best pick for women’s gloves.
Why Wear Shooting Gloves?
Why gloves? Let me list a couple of reasons:
- Things get HOT: Guns themselves in hot weather, barrels when you shoot a lot, and suppressors
- Things get COLD: Sometimes you’re shooting cold weather, and you would prefer to feel your fingers
- Prevent hand damage: Cuts and scrapes might be meh for most shooters, but they still suck, and if you’re out in the field…infections can become killer.
Final Thoughts
After a good amount of testing…here are my final recommendations.
For the best overall glove…
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Or something with a little more protection on the knuckles…
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
How’d I do…did I miss any that I should test out next? Let us know in the comments below. Need some Heated Gloves instead? Or how about the Best Electronic Shooting Protection?
57 Leave a Reply
I think you tried the wrong Mechanix. You should try the Tactical Specialty 0.5.
I do not -- ever -- use my phone while I am shooting (it is "me" time), so I chuckled at all of your references to the good/bad of each glove, relative to touch-screen capability. It , unfortunately, did leave me wondering how the gloves would have been ranked for someone like me, who cares nothing for the touch-screen capability component. (I am NOT saying that there is anything wrong with including that, for those who find it to be of interest. I AM saying that including it in the ranking makes the list, essentially, useless for those who have little or no interest in that capability.) Good article, just not fit (pun intended) to my purposes.
221btactical I think definitely deserves to be atop the list, they make some of the most durable, secure fitting gloves I've used.
I honestly felt you may be getting a stipend from SKD. The topic of shooting gloves is very subjective. I personally did not care for my SKD's Alpha's, I bought mine according to the sizing chart and found they weren't snug enough. That being said I have learned to go a size smaller than size chart recommendations on all the gloves I have bought over the years. I prefer snug, especially as I have developed some arthritis in my advancing years. I like a glove that fits like a compression glove. Personally the Oakley Factory Lite 2.0 ( I am on my 3rd pair in 2 years, yeah I shoot that much) in all but winter shooting conditions and the Outdoor Research Ironsight just because they fit snug eith more positive contact with my firearm. Anyway, try covering a few more options next time because this review really looks like an SKD advert.
We understand. We don't get a stipend from SKD. But like you said it's subjective and we sort of stuck with what we liked. We're in the middle of testing some other gloves as well so stay tuned for the update!
Too bad the FDT gloves are basically unobtanium if you aren't willing to pay a ridiculous markup. If you can find them in stock at all. Otherwise, I'd buy a few pairs to keep backups.
Good luck getting them for the prices they list in the article.
Thanks for the well written article. I appreciate all the options with links to purchase. Too bad OJ wasn’t around for fit testing.
Nice review. I've the FDTs, and like them. I wish someone would make a good thinsulate lined for winter wear.
Biggest issue I have is finding gloves that are 2XL. I've big hands and really long fingers, and XLs are too tight.
That picture with someone holding the barrel on a revolver? No thank you, nothing north of the forcing cone cylinder gap for me (don't like stitches if I can help it). But look at the bright side, at least the cut will already be cauterized.
PIG (FDT) Alpha Gloves vs. the FR version? Thanks!
Great article
Great write-up still smiling at it.
How about Viper Tactical, They wear great and fit well. found them on military1st website for $30.00 when I bought mine two years ago. still wearing them today though they are getting close to needing replaced, no holes or un-stitching going on. The Velcro is getting a bit frayed at the wrist cuff but other than that, these are super gloves.
Anyone concerned with the durability of a hardware-type product (including leather gloves) should always check out Project Farm on YouTube. He doesn't test things like dexterity of the glove or evaluate touch screen readiness, but his wear & tear testing is really honest and thorough, far better than a salesman's word or advertising on the packaging. His video on work gloves is really eye-opening!
Hi Eric,
In regards to the gloves which pair did you feel had the best protection as far as thickness. It took one time grabbing a hot barrell reloading my shotgun using the over the shoulder method to warrant needing something. Thank you, Steve
Solar radiation: that is why I tend to buy FDE arms now. Even my few Black pistols have light-colored grips now. They still get heated but not nearly so as Black firearms. Also get Tan or Grey gloves not black.
I come from a background in the trades, and while I was doing sheet metal exclusively I stumbled upon a set of gloves that work great for shooting and sheet metal alike. The brand is MaxiFlex, most of them are cut/abrasive resistant and come with either padding or extra grippy dots on the palms of the glove, they fit pretty tight and are able to stand up to the abuse of work as well as shooting. Price usually runs from $12-18 depending on whether you buy them individually or a few pair at a time. Definitely worth checking out since you haven't mentioned them at all, these are my goto for all kinds of uses, try them out, you won't be disappointed.
Have you try Ironclad tactical gloves? I like them for better hand protection, fit and price. They are also popular among service members.
Anything both tactical and waterproof? I was at a training course and it was in the mid 30s and raining most of the time. We worked a lot from prone and my mechanix were basically instantly soaked and my hands were never really warm, in fact I was better off with them off.
Wait did I move?? Metric where r we?
I have gnome hands for a dude. While Camelbak is known for hydration, they do make tactical gloves: Camelbak Impact CT Tactical Gloves MPCT05, that are STELLAR for $15 on Ebay. I cant say enough about these. I like my gloves skin tight for shooting and mountain biking and these fit the bill perfectly. They're affordable and every bit as good as the Pig Deltas.
I use tactical gloves with fingers 1/2 cut off (they sell them like that). They have the advantage of good grip and you don't attenuate the feel of the trigger.
Where can you purchase gloves like that. How much of the finger tip is cut off
If you want gloves with cut fingers, I would look at cycling gloves, either road or mountain biking. These are thin for handlebar feel but intentionally have no finger tips for brake lever grip. They even have terry cloth on the palm to wipe sweat. These won't be as durable but still functional.
Brenda...
Amazon sells fingerless gloves by Free Soldier that are amazing. Check them out.
✌️
I can't help but notice that most of the gloves have the same exact cuts as batting gloves, only real difference is a lot more FDE coloring
I got a pair of rain duty golf gloves what work well for shooting. Thin enough to have good feel, made for holding golf clubs in the wet weather. No touch pads for smart phone or tablet use though. But the typical velcro closures give a tight secure fit.
Why not any HATCH gloves? they've been doing shooting gloves longer than anyone listed here! Amazon runs $20-40 depending on style
Amazon does have the SKD PIG FDT Alpha Gloves, with one seller gouging from the advertised $42 to his price of $74
is this list also for tactical use?
Any of these made in the USA?
You pay for them but toughglovesultra make the best right fitting Cabretta leather glove out there... seriously if you haven’t heard of them, check them out now!
I know this won't be popular, but I use those cheap black gloves at Harbor Freight. $3.69 a pair the last time I was in there. Snug fit, but very flexible. I use them for work and normally get 6 months out of them or longer.
Cool, thanks for the tip. I was wondering how well those inexpensive Harbor Freight gloves would work.
I've never been able to find a good pair of gloves. I'm 6'5, but slender. I have long fingers too and I can never find the right fit...There are a couple on this list I haven't tried yet, so maybe there is some hope.
Go to Home Depot for gloves. I am 6'7", big hands, long fingers.
Firm Grip, 6-Pairs String-Knit Latex-Coated Gloves, $5.98. Been using these as "shooting gloves" for years to keep my hands clean. Latex gives you a firm grip and the string-knit backside is breathable. Wash by hand in soapy water to remove gun oil, cleaner, and residue, or just throw away if really dirty. I also use these gloves when snorkeling and scuba diving. The orange side is great to signal people.
Air Force flight gloves. They are inexpensive, form fitting, nomex and an infantry standard. No need for a sexy glove, these have been used forever
I enjoy all of your comparisons. Always well written.
Would like to see a comparison of shooting glasses, especially over prescription glasses.
Why not a golf glove?
Less expensive comfortable and have been in the second skin, feely, gripey business for over 100 years.
MADGRIP from lowes or most hardware stores. These things are like having super human spidey grip. 15 bucks. The material is like something out of the future. They have a thin pair and a thick pair. My wife amd I both use these for around the house and at the range. They actually make u stronger in the fact of the non slip grip. Gotta try them. Promise u womt be disappointed
These are almost exactly like the Maxi Flex brand gloves i recommended, love the fit of these types of gloves, and the grip is unmatched!
Very informative post, as always.
However, I've always found ALL these kinds of gloves too bulky. They get in the way of the grip and the trigger-pull both.
I've had a lot of success using simple, cheap glove liners - the kind you buy in sporting goods or outdoor stores. There are trade-offs. For instance they're not as rugged if you're looking for serious hand protection or warmth. Worth considering, though, for most situations.
Under armor tactical blackout gloves are IMO the best. No bulk, conductive, form fitting, thin but warm enough and secure with an adjustable strap.
I love the fact that there is so much protective equipment for shooters to use at a range, etc., BUT...my concern is, if and when a self defense situation arises all of a sudden, people will not have all that protective gear to use before they shoot the bad guy! So, shouldn't we also practice self defense without the protective gear? Because most likely, that is the situation we will be in, God forbid.....
I love PIG Deltas for pistol work. But they do not do much for heat when you are burning it down with your rifle. When I shoot I am constantly transitioning from rifle to pistol so changing gloves is not an option.
Also they only last me about 2 weeks when I'm shooting hard.
My new favorite... Machanix 0.5mm
Great gloves still have great dexterity with a little more heat protection and more durable.
Better read the negative reviews for the PIG gloves on Amazon BEFORE purchasing.
Thanks for the women's gloves recommendation!
Interesting no oakley's on the list
That's what I have and I love mine
Brownell's has their "Magpul" series of gloves on sale! Just checked today 4/16.
Thanks for that! I'll add it to our deals section today!
A plethora of gloves from Golf shops and Motorcycle shops and Baseball Sports also!
I have the PIG Alphas and they are indeed pretty slick. Very comfy - the creases over the knuckles make the gloves are brilliant. I often wear these just to keep my hands warm. Keep in mind they are designed to trade durability for agility, meaning the price you pay for the tactile feel is that they won't last as long, but so far I've definitely got my money's worth.
Have had them for 2 years, not hard use though. They're a little frayed here and there, but still holding up.
Nice, thanks for sharing!
What about PRO AIM gloves? This glove has an insert that helps provides a shock-absorbing cushion for your wrist! Helps protect from Magnum recoil..
Haven't heard of them before!