Ok, it's cold. Shooting gloves?

[MrsSmith]

In my effort to adapt to the frozen tundra, I need to find a pair of gloves suitable for shooting this winter. I was informed Sunday (with a bit of a smirk) that the matches will happen regardless of weather. Any recommendations on gloves that are thin enough to still allow movement but will keep my hands warm - or at least, less than frozen? And, of course, that come in small sizes.

Thanks!

[BlueStarLizzard]

Try riding (equestrian riding) gloves.
     http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=X1-39039&zmam=1460880&zmas=1&zmac=66&zmap=X1-39039&re=viewbuyrec     

[Tallpine]

You can buy brown jersey gloves buy the dozen.

When they get wet, just put on another pair.

[AZRedhawk44]

I have a pair of these:

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202021235/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&superSkuId=202892938



I'll admit that I've only used them for weapons training once.  I really should wear them every time I go out for carbine-style shooting, especially to the .22 tactical match every two weeks.  But they have the right amount of dexterity... I can squeeze the trigger with reasonable control, and operate all levers and catches on my AR.

For $10 I can't ask for much more.


I hear from former Air Force folks that nomex flight gloves are quite popular as shooting gloves.  All I know is they might be if they're free... but at $60 or more to you and me, I'll stick with my $10 cheapies without a better reason.

[charby]

Mechanix gloves when shooting, regular winter gloves when you are waiting to shoot.

[Hawkmoon]

Try an auto parts store (maybe even Wal-Mart) and look at mechanics' gloves. Also, driving gloves are generally thin leather that allows for pretty decent tactile control.

[Boomhauer]

but at $60 or more to you and me,

And they aren't worth that from a durability standpoint. You're better off spending some real money on gloves when you're talking about that much vs. the flight gloves.

Many people use Mechanix type gloves when shooting. At $15-20/pair, cheap to replace when they wear out (and they will). Note that they are NOT fire resistant...but are fine for our use. Mechanix, the tractor supply house brand...both OK.

[wmenorr67]

Another vote for the Mechanix Wear or similar brand of glove.

[Monkeyleg]

I could never get accustomed to gloves, even when temps dropped into the single digits. Anything warm enough didn't give me a feel for the gun. I'd just shoot, then get in my vehicle and warm my hands.

Are any of these thin gloves really warm?

[Boomhauer]

Are any of these thin gloves really warm?

Warmer than bare hands. Blocks the wind a bit and insulates the hand from metal a bit. That's about it.

[bedlamite]

charby is close. mechanix gloves inside of big mittens is much easier.

[Monkeyleg]

charby is close. mechanix gloves inside of big mittens is much easier.

I have a difficult enough time shooting a pistol with bare hands. With that setup I'd be lucky to find my shots in the next county.

[bedlamite]

I have a difficult enough time shooting a pistol with bare hands. With that setup I'd be lucky to find my shots in the next county.

now go back and read his post again. you're supposed to take them off leaving only the lightweight gloves when you shoot.

[birdman]

Take the mechanic gloves, and cut the inside of the trigger finger so it folds back, two little spots of self-adhesive Velcro dots to hold it back, and bingo, you can unsheath your finger by simply dragging it across your pants, and then dragging it the other way to fold it onto the velcro. 

[wmenorr67]

Take the mechanic gloves, and cut the inside of the trigger finger so it folds back, two little spots of self-adhesive Velcro dots to hold it back, and bingo, you can unsheath your finger by simply dragging it across your pants, and then dragging it the other way to fold it onto the velcro. 

If the gloves fit tight enough that shouldn't be needed.  Another option is getting batting gloves or gloves football receivers wear.

[HankB]

"Bob Allen" makes some good shooting gloves - I have a set of very thin, unlined leather gloves that provide a modicum of protection from wind and such without unduly restricting movement - they fit almost like a second skin. I understand they also make some insulated gloves for colder temperatures.

[dogmush]

Gotta say, Nomex or combat vehicle crew gloves work really well.  I have a set of Oakley "operator" type gloves that don't work as well as my old broke in Nomex flight gloves.

If you're paying $60 for them you're getting ripped off.

I buy them for about $25 at clothing sales, and they're all over the net for ~$20:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/New-USGI-Nomex-Gloves.aspx?a=764313&pm2d=CSE-SPG-3-GOOGLE&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cse

http://store.colemans.com/cart/us-gi-nomex®-crewmanflyers-glove-p-2349.html?currency=USD

http://www.amazon.com/Rothco-Nomex-Flight-Gloves/dp/B000IH8CBE

http://www.copquest.com/12-1500.htm

That last one has some tan ones on closeout for $16.  I might get some of those myself.

Pay attention to sizing.  Just a little too big makes for a lot of trouble in weapons handling.

Glove sizing instructions

[wmenorr67]

Gotta say, Nomex or combat vehicle crew gloves work really well.  I have a set of Oakley "operator" type gloves that don't work as well as my old broke in Nomex flight gloves.

If you're paying $60 for them you're getting ripped off.

I buy them for about $25 at clothing sales, and they're all over the net for ~$20:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/New-USGI-Nomex-Gloves.aspx?a=764313&pm2d=CSE-SPG-3-GOOGLE&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cse

http://store.colemans.com/cart/us-gi-nomex®-crewmanflyers-glove-p-2349.html?currency=USD

http://www.amazon.com/Rothco-Nomex-Flight-Gloves/dp/B000IH8CBE

http://www.copquest.com/12-1500.htm

That last one has some tan ones on closeout for $16.  I might get some of those myself.

Pay attention to sizing.  Just a little too big makes for a lot of trouble in weapons handling.

Glove sizing instructions

What I don't like about flyers gloves is that they don't last long.

[Jamisjockey]

Keep that white fluffy *expletive deleted*it up there.   

[geronimotwo]

even latex gloves are warmer than nothing.  they are easy to wear inside other (heated) mittens while you are waiting, and they have the best trigger feel.  they also make chemical hand warmers for in your pockets.  i have found warm gloves can be a safety issue with a light trigger.  just wait until it gets COLD!  

[dogmush]

What I don't like about flyers gloves is that they don't last long.

Yeah, but they work.  I get about three months field use out of them.  For shooting on weekends-1 pair will last about 8mos-1year.  for something cheap that works.  Course YMMV.

There's always these: Standard Issue Assault Gloves

Yeah they're expensive but they give you an automatic +6 on vitality and +3D6 Operator stats.    If you're gloves don't have "Exhaust Ports" you're not cool.

ETA: Jamis, I've actually worn those mits in the field on a live fire ex.  Ft. Wainwright, Ak, it was about -25F. They're ugly, but toasty.

[SteveS]

Mechanix gloves when shooting, regular winter gloves when you are waiting to shoot.

These a great and not too expensive.

[S. Williamson]

In my effort to adapt to the frozen tundra, I need to find a pair of gloves suitable for shooting this winter.

In my limited experience I have found that gloves, once shot, let cold air in a bit too well. 



  I use "armored" dirtbike gloves. They look neat, but they're also surprisingly warm, too. They leave enough dexterity to use a firearm efficiently, if I practice with them regularly.

Also a good trick is to shoot enough to heat up the gun to the point where it keeps you warm.  AR gas blocks are great at this. 

[MechAg94]

You can always get cheap surplus gloves from Sportsman's Guide or something.  They used to have wool gloves that are warm enough.  Not great in the wind though, and the liners some came with were bulky as hell.

[French G.]

I've used Hatch gloves similar to these. http://www.galls.com/google/style-GL410-general_catalog-hatch-elite-winter-specialist-gloves;jsessionid=9C7B9BB6BC108D61383DCD632674EA56

Whatever you get, neoprene back so they are windproof. The palm/trigger fingers need to be thin and uninsulated so you can feel things. Keep a handwarmer in your pocket and hold onto that whenever you are not shooting or working. aonvertible neoprene hat/mask/neckmuff is completely essential.

I love all weather clubs. I showed up to one that was so reliable I never called before the 170 mile drive. If there was no hurricane, they were shooting. I get there, it's 20 degrees, the whole state has no power, but there are already a dozen people in the club driveway cutting the trees that the ice knocked down. And then we went shooting! I shoot better as the weather gets worse. Not absolute better, but relative. Just embrace the suck and think about shooting while everyone else's mind is still occupied with the suck.