Hand-Picked Daily GUN DEALS, and Exclusive Coupons Codes >>>

5 Best Shooting Gloves [Hands-On Test]

We bought the most popular tactical shooting gloves to see which have the perfect grip, dexterity, protection, and price.

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 with competitions, range trips, and even a house move or two.

All Tested Tactical Shooting Gloves
All Tested Tactical Shooting Gloves

While emphasis will be on what’s important to civilian shooters (price, fit, touch-screen capability, durability etc.), we also cover some tactical aspects as well.  Plus…my wife’s favorite gloves for women.

Summary of Our Top Picks

  1. Editor's Pick Shooting Glove

    SKD PIG FDT Alpha Gloves

    Dual-joint trigger finger that protects your hands and gets the job done.

  2. Cheap & Effective

    Mechanix Fastfit Gloves

    Need something that works and you won't mind misplacing?

  3. Best Bang-For-The-Buck Gloves

    Magpul Technical Gloves

    Good fit for shooting and touch-screen enabled.

  4. Highest Dexterity Glove

    SKD PIG FDT Delta Gloves

    Thin and great for trigger control when you're shooting.

  5. Best Women's Gloves

    SKD PIG FDT Charlie Gloves

    The wife's favorite shooting 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.
Rough Rider 16-Inch c clamp grip
Rough Rider 16-Inch, C-Clamp Not Recommended

Fit Comparison

The most important thing to me…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’s measurements of my hand so you can compare when I go over the sizing.  Overall I have skinny wrists, not that much of a palm swell, and long fingers.

My Glove Sizing
My Glove Sizing

Now let’s get to it…

5 Best Shooting Gloves

1. SKD Tactical PIG FDT Alpha Gloves

My current favorite shooting glove…the Alpha version of the PIG FDTs.

SKD FDT Alpha, Gloves
SKD FDT Alpha, Gloves

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.

SKD Glove Sizing
SKD Glove Sizing

I went with large on this like the Delta version.

SKD FDT Alpha Gloves, Palm
SKD FDT Alpha Gloves, Palm

I’ve used these gloves the most and they shoot pistols, ARs, reload magazines, and move 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.

SKD FDT Alpha Gloves
SKD FDT Alpha Gloves

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…I highly recommend the Alpha gloves.

And keep in mind that shooting gloves are consumables.

They more you use them the quicker they will get chewed up.  Here’s an example of a two-old Alpha that saw a good amount of weekends of hard use.

Worn SKD PIG Gloves
Worn SKD PIG Gloves

Side-note: I had a defect with my Alphas where the ring finger on one hand was twisted so a seam was on my finger pad.  Not a deal breaker but annoying.  I emailed SKD and they took care of the problem in less than an hour and two emails.

Editor's Choice Shooting Glove
42
at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

What do you think?

Readers' Ratings

4.98/5 (817)

Your Rating?

2. Mechanix Fastfit Gloves

I’ve had a couple 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 newish Fastfit Gloves.

Mechanix Fastfit Gloves
Mechanix Fastfit Gloves

I wore mediums and using their sizing chart I re-confirmed I was indeed medium.

Mechanix Size Chart
Mechanix Size Chart

Here’s some other useful stats:

  • $14
  • Synthetic leather and spandex
  • Touch-screen enabled
  • Fast-drying
  • Elastic cuff

For me they didn’t fit quite right because of my palm size.  You can see there’s a lot of gap in there.

Mechanix Fastfit Gloves, Palm
Mechanix Fastfit Gloves, Palm

And the cut between the index finger and thumb is a little restricting for handgun shooting.  Rifles are fine.

Also very thin so great for dexterity but not very warm or heat resistant if that’s your thing.

Mechanix Fastfit Gloves, Fit
Mechanix Fastfit Gloves, Fit

But for around $10 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.

Cheap & Effective
14
at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

3. Magpul Technical Gloves

One of my go-to recommendations for affordable shooting gloves are Magpul Technical Gloves.

Magpul Technical Gloves
Magpul Technical Gloves

I went with medium and they fit a lot more snugly one me…especially at the cuff.  The Mechanix ones were just too loose and flared for my tastes.  However…with the smaller cuff you’re going to have a lot harder time taking these off.

Some stats:

  • $29
  • Synthetic suede palm
  • Elastic wrist closure
  • Touch-screen enabled
Magpul Technical Gloves, Palm
Magpul Technical Gloves, Palm

You can see it fits a lot better and the cut of the thumb and index finger is much more conducive for shooting.  There’s also extra material on three fingers that enables touch-screen access.

At first I thought it would disrupt precision shooting but it’s at the tip of the finger enough that I had no problems.

Magpul Technical Gloves, Fit
Magpul Technical Gloves, Fit

Thicker material than the Mechanix and what I think is a good Goldilocks zone of dexterity and protection.  Also some terrycloth material on the back of the thumb for sniffles or cleaning optics. 

Best Bang-For-The-Buck Gloves
23
at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

If you want a little more knuckle protection check out Magpul’s Patrol Glove 2.0s.

Magpul Patrol Glove 2.0
Magpul Patrol Glove 2.0

4. SKD Tactical PIG FDT Delta Gloves

SKD FDT Delta Gloves
SKD FDT Delta Gloves

The FDT stands for full dexterity tactical and they live up to their name.  The Delta Glove version is the thinnest version.

Simpsons Nothing At All
Simpsons Nothing At All

If you want full dexterity at the expense of some protection…these are the best on the market.

I’m a large for SKD gloves and I fit very snugly even though I sized up.

SKD Glove Sizing
SKD Glove Sizing

No complaints in the finger or palm swell area.

SKD FDT Delta Gloves, Palm
SKD FDT Delta Gloves, Palm

But note that the words “PIG” are rubberized textures that work well but will eventually fall off.  However the tips of the gloves are still touch-screen enabled.

*Update* Current versions now have reverse printing on the palms so they will stay on a lot longer.

Some more stats:

  • $30
  • Single layer palm
  • Elastic cuff
  • Touch-screen enabled index/thumb
SKD FDT Delta Gloves, Fit
SKD FDT Delta Gloves, Fit

They look great too and you can see how thin they are even in the back.  If you need knuckle protection look elsewhere.  The design is cool but I have a feeling it’s going to start peeling when I wear it more.

A little more at $30 but currently my favorite when dexterity is the primary focus.

Highest Dexterity Glove
29
at Rainier Arms

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

5. SKD Tactical PIG FDT Charlie Gloves (Women)

The womens’ 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).

SKD FDT Charlie Gloves vs Hand
SKD FDT Charlie Gloves vs Hand

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.

SKD FDT Charlie Gloves
SKD FDT Charlie Gloves

Same great feel and ability to move her trigger finger.  Plus she made sure it still worked on smart phones.

Our current best pick for women’s gloves.

45
at Rainier Arms

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

Honorable Mentions

There’s a lot of tactical shooting gloves out there…and I couldn’t buy & test them all.  But here are some of my honorable mentions that I’ve used or know are popular.

  • Outdoor Research Ironsight: I’ve worn through these gloves for hiking and they have a bit more protection than the SKD gloves.  Also has grip attachments that eventually wear off.  Haven’t had the chance to shoot with them but they were great for hiking.
OR Ironsight Gloves
OR Ironsight Gloves
Magpul Breach Gloves
Magpul Breach Gloves
OR Suppressor Gloves
OR Suppressor Gloves

Conclusion

After a good amount of testing…here are my final recommendations.

For the best overall glove…

Editor's Choice Shooting Glove
42
at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

If you want the glove with the most dexterity:

Most Dexterous Shooting Glove
29
at Rainier Arms

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

And if you want the most affordable but still very capable:

Best Bang-for-the-Buck Shooting Glove
23
at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

How’d I do…any I miss that I should test out next?  Need some Heated Gloves instead?  Or how about the Best Electronic Shooting Protection?

Tested Shooting Ear Protection Muffs
Tested Shooting Ear Protection Muffs

The Best Gun Deals, Coupons and Finds

Subscribe to Pew Pew Tactical's sales and deals email.

47 Leave a Reply

  • Commenter Avatar
    Dave

    PIG (FDT) Alpha Gloves vs. the FR version? Thanks!

    November 12, 2022 10:03 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    deko

    Great article

    October 18, 2022 5:33 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Rizwan

    Great write-up still smiling at it.

    October 18, 2022 5:33 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Stew Ruckman

    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.

    October 16, 2022 8:37 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Keith P

    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!

    September 19, 2022 11:42 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    steve levangie

    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

    August 16, 2022 3:03 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Danilushka Ozera

    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.

    July 26, 2022 8:30 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Zack

    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.

    April 18, 2022 7:06 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Jeff Chang

    Have you try Ironclad tactical gloves? I like them for better hand protection, fit and price. They are also popular among service members.

    February 16, 2022 9:45 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Joe

    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.

    February 25, 2021 7:17 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Mark

    Wait did I move?? Metric where r we?

    February 11, 2021 4:31 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Thome C

    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.

    January 21, 2021 8:31 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    rc hubbard

    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.

    January 7, 2021 5:23 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Brenda

      Where can you purchase gloves like that. How much of the finger tip is cut off

      January 8, 2021 3:08 pm
      • Commenter Avatar
        Thomas C

        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.

        January 21, 2021 8:37 am
        • Commenter Avatar
          Eric

          Brenda...

          Amazon sells fingerless gloves by Free Soldier that are amazing. Check them out.

          ✌️

          January 11, 2022 5:00 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Parker

    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

    December 14, 2020 7:47 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Marty W

    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.

    November 19, 2020 4:57 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Ian Adams

    Why not any HATCH gloves? they've been doing shooting gloves longer than anyone listed here! Amazon runs $20-40 depending on style

    November 16, 2020 3:08 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Tom M.

    Amazon does have the SKD PIG FDT Alpha Gloves, with one seller gouging from the advertised $42 to his price of $74

    November 15, 2020 4:56 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Gideon

    is this list also for tactical use?

    September 5, 2020 1:06 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    David C

    Any of these made in the USA?

    July 28, 2020 1:34 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Joe Krowsoski

    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!

    July 2, 2020 6:16 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Patrick

    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.

    June 24, 2020 4:38 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Shawn G.

      Cool, thanks for the tip. I was wondering how well those inexpensive Harbor Freight gloves would work.

      September 23, 2020 3:35 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    CJ

    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.

    May 21, 2020 6:47 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      Expert Shooter

      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.

      June 14, 2020 5:34 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    WS Farr

    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

    April 22, 2020 6:00 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    James

    I enjoy all of your comparisons. Always well written.
    Would like to see a comparison of shooting glasses, especially over prescription glasses.

    April 22, 2020 3:44 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Bryan

    Why not a golf glove?
    Less expensive comfortable and have been in the second skin, feely, gripey business for over 100 years.

    April 15, 2020 4:41 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Joseph Wilcox

    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

    December 14, 2019 12:41 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Zack

      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!

      April 18, 2022 7:11 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Billy B

    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.

    December 10, 2019 6:20 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    daymon

    Under armor tactical blackout gloves are IMO the best. No bulk, conductive, form fitting, thin but warm enough and secure with an adjustable strap.

    November 23, 2019 3:05 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Marcia Loffredo

    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.....

    October 16, 2019 3:28 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Chris

    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.

    March 31, 2019 3:19 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Brum

    Better read the negative reviews for the PIG gloves on Amazon BEFORE purchasing.

    March 2, 2019 3:10 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Jojo

    Thanks for the women's gloves recommendation!

    October 7, 2018 10:03 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    PabloD

    Interesting no oakley's on the list

    April 19, 2018 3:51 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Crimedog

      That's what I have and I love mine

      November 20, 2019 2:19 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Jeff

    Brownell's has their "Magpul" series of gloves on sale! Just checked today 4/16.

    April 16, 2018 3:34 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      David

      Thanks for that! I'll add it to our deals section today!

      April 16, 2018 6:39 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Johnny

    A plethora of gloves from Golf shops and Motorcycle shops and Baseball Sports also!

    April 16, 2018 3:24 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    JAM

    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.

    April 15, 2018 7:58 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Eric Hung

      Nice, thanks for sharing!

      April 15, 2018 8:41 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Tom

    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..

    April 15, 2018 7:50 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Eric Hung

      Haven't heard of them before!

      April 15, 2018 8:41 pm
Join the community! Log in
Please provide a valid email address.
Password is required.
or
Register
Please provide a valid display name.
Please provide a valid email address.
The password should contain at least 8 characters with at least one number or special character.
Please accept in order to continue.
or
Trouble logging in?
Type your email address and we’ll send you a link to reset your password.
Please provide a valid email.
Password
Type your new password and hit button below to confirm it.
Field is required.
Account already exists
We already have an account registered for email address () which is linked to your Facebook account.
To log in type your Pew Pew Meter password below.
Field is required.
Account already exists
We noticed that you have previously logged in with your Account which is linked to the same email address () - we can link both of your accounts together.
In order to link your accounts, hit button below and log in to your Account with the same email as above.

Account in Pew Pew Meter means more

Check what do you get by creating an account
Check and save your reviews!
Bookmark and compare your favorite firearms
Manage your newsletter subscription
pew pew tactical logo

new here?

Personalize your experience.
Select what level shooter you are!

pew pew tactical logo

level up your gun knowledge

Thanks! We'll send you the latest guides and training tips geared towards your level.

pew pew tactical logo

welcome!

You'll now receive newsletters of our best articles on techniques, guns & gear.

$47 value

yours free!

targets targets
free

practice targets

printer icon printable

our 9 favorite targets and drills

free

practice targets

printer icon printable

enter your email to download

We'll only use the information provided according to our privacy policy.

success icon

Ready to Download

Click below to begin your download

download pdf