Until the requests came in to review large caliber rifles and handguns, I had never slipped on a pair of shooting gloves. Even after receiving a series of these types of firearms, and even though I then owned a pair of Mechanix Wear Original Covert Tactical Gloves, I would begin all of my shooting sessions gloveless.
However, when bruises began forming on the palms of my hands while shooting heavy recoiling handguns, or blood began flowing from knuckles skinned by trigger guards of large-caliber rifles, I picked up the Mechanix Tactical-style gloves and kept firing.
In addition to protection from bruising and blood-loss, I found the Mechanix gloves to be indispensable when firing side-by-side shotguns and rifles that were trim in build. Trim enough that my large hands and long digits would come in contact with VERY hot barrels.
One of my major concerns with using shooting gloves of any kind was the loss of sensitivity for feeling light trigger pulls. The Mechanix Original Gloves allow me to feel trigger movement even when the weight of the trigger pull is as low as two pounds.
The final aspect that may be unique for many of the firearms I have been asked to review. Specifically, when I am holding a firearm worth $10 – $25,000, it’s comforting to know that my sweaty, dirty hands won’t come into contact with the Grade 5 Walnut stocks and forearms, or that expensive bluing/engraving.
They’re really well-made, functional and affordable. At about $20, they’re worth every penny.
Mike Arnold writes about firearms and hunting at his blog Mike Arnold, Outdoor Writer.