7 Top Factors to Consider When Buying Winter Shooting Gloves

October 31, 2024

When it comes to winter range days, cold hands can seriously impact your shooting performance. Numb fingers slow your draw, decrease trigger control, and reduce reload efficiency. The right pair of gloves keeps your hands warm while maintaining dexterity and protection—without compromising your shooting mechanics. Let’s break down the 7 most important factors to consider when shopping for winter shooting gloves.

1. Dexterity vs. Insulation Balance

• Why It Matters: Bulky gloves with heavy insulation keep your hands warm but make it harder to feel the trigger and manipulate small controls. On the flip side, lightweight gloves may not provide enough warmth for extended use.
• What to Look For: Opt for gloves with thin insulation (like Thinsulate) in the fingers to retain tactile feedback without compromising warmth.

Pro Tip: Test trigger control by trying the gloves with your firearm before purchase to ensure you can safely operate the trigger and mag release.

2. Touchscreen Compatibility

• Why It Matters: Whether you’re running shot timers, checking weather apps, or logging data on a smartphone, the ability to use a touchscreen without removing your gloves is a game-changer.
• What to Look For: Gloves with touch-sensitive fingertips (usually made with conductive fabric) allow you to use devices without sacrificing warmth.

Pro Tip: Look for models that have touch compatibility on multiple fingers, not just the index finger—helpful if you're adjusting settings mid-session.

3. Grip & Traction Performance

• Why It Matters: Cold and wet conditions can make firearms or magazines slippery. Gloves with poor grip can lead to fumbled reloads or accidental drops.
• What to Look For: Gloves with rubberized palms or silicone traction patterns provide a better hold on firearms, magazines, and tools.

Pro Tip: Test your grip on steel magazines or other slick surfaces—if they slip, the gloves won’t perform well under range conditions.

4. Weather Resistance & Moisture Management

• Why It Matters: Snow, rain, or sweat can quickly make your gloves uncomfortable, reducing their effectiveness. Wet gloves also make your hands colder, faster.
• What to Look For: Choose gloves with water-resistant materials to protect against moisture, but avoid fully waterproof gloves unless they also offer breathability (to prevent sweaty hands).

Pro Tip: Bring hand warmers or a spare pair of dry gloves for longer range days in extreme cold.

5. Wrist Closure & Fit

• Why It Matters: A snug, secure fit prevents cold air from getting inside and keeps the gloves from sliding off during drills. Gloves that bunch up at the fingers can interfere with trigger control.
• What to Look For: Look for gloves with adjustable wrist closures (like Velcro straps) to seal out cold air while allowing free movement.

Pro Tip: Test the gloves while performing fast reloads—make sure they stay tight and don't shift during rapid hand movements.

6. Material Durability

• Why It Matters: Shooting drills, frequent reloads, and handling magazines will wear out cheap gloves quickly. Durable materials are essential for gloves that will see regular range use.
• What to Look For: Look for gloves with reinforced fingertips and palms, particularly in high-contact areas where wear is most likely to occur.

Pro Tip: Gloves made with leather, synthetic blends, or Cordura tend to last longer than basic fabric gloves.

7. Ease of Removal for Quick Adjustments

• Why It Matters: Sometimes you’ll need to quickly switch to bare hands for delicate adjustments, and cumbersome gloves slow you down.
• What to Look For: Choose gloves with pull tabs or loops for easy removal when transitioning between drills or handling small tools.

Pro Tip: Practice switching between gloved and bare hands so it becomes second nature—you don’t want to waste time wrestling with gloves in the middle of a session.

Final Thoughts

Winter shooting gloves are a critical part of your cold-weather gear, but not all gloves are created equal. The right pair will offer the perfect balance of warmth, dexterity, and durability—allowing you to stay comfortable without sacrificing performance. When choosing gloves, test for grip, fit, and tactile feedback with your specific firearm to ensure seamless operation under range conditions.

Train hard, shoot straight, and keep those hands warm!

---

Also in BLOG