A few years back, Bob and I were training at the range. On that particular day, we ran AK-47 platforms. As it usually happens, we got carried away.
Whenever Bob and I get together, it’s not just merely “training”. We both push the envelope, trying new techniques, and working them faster and faster against the timer to see how smooth and quickly we can work the drills. Bob asked me if I wanted to borrow his shooting gloves after he saw I was without gloves.
“Gloves?! Bob, these are working man’s hands! My hands are tough, I’ve got callouses. I don’t need no stinkin’ gloves!”
The AK platform is not known for its comfort. It’s a crude weapon with no polished edges. In fact, I think it’s intended to impart harm to the operator. If you’ve ever ran an AK hard, you know what I’m talking about. Shedding a little blood on the range is not unheard of when running an AK in a balls-to-the-wall fashion.
We ran those rifles hard! After a while, my pride got the better of me and I said, “Hey, Bob, you still got those gloves?” As he threw the gloves at me, he gave me a disdainful, sideways smile that said, “You’re such a greenhorn, you putz!”
I became a believer in shooting gloves that morning. Actually, believer is not sufficient; rather, I’m a zealot for shooting gloves now. I have several pairs of them stashed in various places — my shooting bag, jacket pockets, and, lately, on the seat of my motorcycle.
Those gloves saved me from some cuts on my hands running an AK that day and took some of the pain out of the shooting session. So, which gloves are my favorite? The ones from Mechanix!
Mechanix Gloves – FastFit
I prefer the Mechanix FastFit type. They feature an elastic band around the wrist for easy on and off. I like fast and simple. The elastic keeps the gloves in place when I want them to stay on.
The palms and fingers (including tips and sides) have synthetic leather with a very tactile feeling. It’s not quite like bare skin, but it’s close. You can fill magazines and do other dexterous tasks with these gloves on. That’s important when operating a firearm because you need to be able to operate those controls.
The Mechanix Fast Fit gloves work with touch-screen features on cell phones and tablets. I love these gloves because they really do fit like a second skin.
As far as durability, I’ve used my first pair for a couple of years now and haven’t worn them out yet. They stand up to a good amount of use with no problems. Currently, I have pairs in Coyote Brown and Multi-Cam.
I use these gloves for pistol and rifle training. They prevent pinches, cuts, abrasions, and all other sorts of range-related maladies. The synthetic leather is amazing for gripping all sorts of mediums. I wore these gloves through the delivery season when I delivered food for a school district. Although not designed to keep my hands warm, they provided protection from the freezing metal and boxes that I often handled on our delivery truck. I was very glad for the protection from the Mechanix Gloves.
Yes, Mechanix Gloves are the best things since sliced bread! Mechanix FastFit gloves currently sell for $16.99. You can’t beat that for this product!
Mechanix Gloves – Original
The Mechanix Original gloves are similar to FastFit gloves with the exception of how they secure to the wrist. The Original gloves have thermoplastic rubber wrist closures to secure them to the wearer’s wrist. The rubber is pliable, and secures with Velcro to the inside of the wrist. These hold the gloves in place very securely. There’s no free lunch and the price of that security means the gloves take a bit longer to put on and take off.
Like the FastFit gloves, the Originals are made to keep your hands cool during warm temperatures. As mentioned, they offer a slight amount of protection against the cold. If you want real protection, you’ll need to take the insulated route with different gloves.
As I write this, the Original Gloves are available for $24.99. Given their sturdy long-lasting construction, this is a bargain. With all of the Mechanix gloves, there is double stitching at key points, and so far, it’s held up perfectly for me. Mechanix Original gloves are available in Wolf Gray, Multi-Cam, Black, and Coyote Brown. I like the Coyote, as it blends with most environments naturally.
Varied Uses of Mechanix Gloves
I’ve been meaning to pick up some of Mechanix’s insulated gloves for winter use but haven’t gotten around to it yet. So, I’ve just worn the shooting gloves when I’m out and about.
In the tundra of the northeast, the wind gets nasty in the wintertime. These gloves are appreciated when I’m clearing snow and ice from my car. They take some of the sting out of the cold wind when scraping ice, even though they’re not intended as protection from the cold. I can then get into my car and operate small knobs and buttons without having to take my gloves off. That dexterity is also appreciated.
Tactical
In a dynamic tactical environment, these gloves go a long way in protecting the hands of operators. One never knows when he might have to grab onto a hot door handle in a building that’s on fire or other extreme circumstances.
Using flash-bang grenades create perilous situations, not only from the perspective of fire, but also the blast. These gloves will also protect against light metal fragments often encountered during bullet “splashback” when firing against steel targets or in a real environment where fragments are sometimes flying.
Shooting Drills
There are a number of times when I’d have likely dropped the magazine while conducting magazine changes during drills had I not worn these gloves. As it were, the gloves had extra gripping ability and saved the magazine from falling to the ground.
The extra gripping ability that the gloves provide is a godsend at times. During an actual incident, this additional grip could save a live by preventing a magazine from dropping to the ground.
Motorcycles
This year, my wife and I got into riding motorcycles. Just as with firearms on the range, the Mechanix gloves really help in grasping motorcycle controls. It means a lot to have a more certain purchase on the grips, the clutch, and the brake. You don’t want to slip off of any of them while operating a bike in traffic. If doing any dirt riding, I also don a pair of these gloves.
Mechanix gloves also provide some protection, including the palms, sides, and back of the hands. It’s common for objects to hit you while riding. With their hands on the handlebars, they take their fair share of abuse. I’ve been hit by small rocks thrown by other vehicles, as well as insects. Have you ever had a bee slam into you at 60 mph? It’s not necessarily a happy union. The gloves will also prevent stings.
And heaven forbid we experience a fall, I’m sure the gloves will offer a modicum of protection, although they’re not specifically designed for such abuse.
Mechanix Gloves in Summary
I’ve named a couple of viable uses for Mechanix gloves with plenty more venues not mentioned. Mechanix gloves are versatile — and that doesn’t only apply to the shooting range.
Mechanix gloves are durable. I still have the original pair that I purchased a few years back. They’re none the worse for wear and should last for at least several more years.
Another attractive aspect of Mechanix gloves is they aren’t expensive. That’s a small investment for what you get and is more than worth it.
Try these gloves out. I’m betting you’ll find a bunch of uses for them!
