The Pachmayr Tactical Grip Gloves For Glock 17/20/21/22/31/34/35 Made a Bold First Impression
When I first encountered the Pachmayr Tactical Grip Gloves For Glock 17/20/21/22/31/34/35, I was immediately intrigued by the concept of a simple slip-on grip enhancement for my well-worn Glock 17. As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless grip modifications, from stippling jobs to aftermarket grip replacements, but the promise of easy installation and enhanced control at such a low price point made these grip gloves stand out. I needed a solution to improve my grip on my duty Glock, especially during qualifications in less-than-ideal weather.
The Pachmayr grip gloves came in a simple, no-frills package. My initial impression was favorable; the rubber felt surprisingly soft and pliable, with a noticeable texture that seemed promising for improved grip. Compared to more permanent grip solutions, like custom stippling, or full grip replacements, I chose the Pachmayr grip gloves for their non-permanence and ease of installation, allowing me to test and remove them without altering the firearm’s original configuration. I was cautiously optimistic – hoping for a noticeable improvement in grip without sacrificing the Glock’s signature feel.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pachmayr Tactical Grip Gloves For Glock 17/20/21/22/31/34/35 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Pachmayr Tactical Grip Gloves For Glock 17/20/21/22/31/34/35 primarily at my local outdoor shooting range, simulating various weather conditions. The grip gloves were put through their paces during rapid-fire drills, one-handed shooting scenarios, and prolonged target practice under both dry and simulated wet conditions. Installation was a breeze; the ultra-stretchy material lived up to its promise, slipping onto my Glock 17 frame in seconds. The grip felt noticeably thicker, filling my hand more completely, which initially felt more secure.
Under dry conditions, the grip provided a tangible improvement over the standard Glock frame. However, when my hands became sweaty, or when I introduced simulated rain, the grip started to lose some of its tackiness. The gloves still provided some benefit, but not as much as I had hoped. My biggest surprise was how much the grip shifted during rapid firing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Pachmayr Tactical Grip Gloves For Glock 17/20/21/22/31/34/35 held up reasonably well, showing only minor signs of wear around the finger grooves. The Pachmayr Decelerator material proved fairly durable, resisting tearing or significant degradation. Cleaning was simple; a quick wipe with a damp cloth was all it took to remove dirt and grime. Compared to my previous experience with grip tape, which often peels and requires replacement, the Pachmayr grip gloves offered a more convenient solution.
However, the issue of the grip shifting during extended use became increasingly apparent. Under moderate to heavy use, the grip would gradually slide down the frame, requiring readjustment. This issue, coupled with the reduced tackiness in wet conditions, ultimately led me to question the long-term reliability of the Pachmayr Tactical Grip Gloves For Glock 17/20/21/22/31/34/35 for serious tactical applications.
Breaking Down the Features of Pachmayr Tactical Grip Gloves For Glock 17/20/21/22/31/34/35
Specifications
Type: Tactical Grip Gloves. These are designed as a slip-on grip enhancement.
Firearm Type: Glock 17/20/21/22/31/34/35/37. The gloves are specifically molded to fit these Glock models.
Material: Rubber. Made from Pachmayr Decelerator rubber for enhanced control and recoil absorption.
Finish: Soft with Finger Grooves. The finish provides a comfortable, yet tactile, gripping surface.
The specifications highlight the core intent of the Pachmayr Tactical Grip Gloves For Glock 17/20/21/22/31/34/35: to offer a quick and easy upgrade to the Glock’s factory grip. The rubber construction aims to improve both grip and recoil management, while the finger grooves promote a more secure and instinctive hand placement. It’s crucial to confirm the compatibility list above as the gloves are firearm-specific.
Performance & Functionality
The Pachmayr Tactical Grip Gloves For Glock 17/20/21/22/31/34/35 offer a mixed bag of performance enhancements. In terms of recoil absorption, the added padding does provide a subtle reduction in felt recoil, particularly noticeable during extended shooting sessions. The finger grooves, while generally comfortable, may not suit all hand sizes and shapes.
The main weakness is the tendency for the grip to shift, especially under demanding conditions. The grip met expectations in dry conditions, but disappoints if your hands are wet/sweaty or if you engage in lots of firing.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Pachmayr Tactical Grip Gloves For Glock 17/20/21/22/31/34/35 is adequate for the price point. The rubber material feels reasonably durable, and the molding is generally clean and precise. The added thickness of the grip increases the overall circumference, which can be beneficial for shooters with larger hands, but may feel bulky for those with smaller hands.
The installation is incredibly user-friendly; anyone can install these in under a minute. There’s virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Pachmayr Tactical Grip Gloves For Glock 17/20/21/22/31/34/35 seem capable of lasting for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent and water will help to maintain the grip’s tackiness and prevent the rubber from drying out. The simple design makes maintenance straightforward.
With proper care, the gloves are likely to last several years with moderate use. Consider replacement if the shifting issues become more frequent or the rubber starts to degrade noticeably.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pachmayr Tactical Grip Gloves For Glock 17/20/21/22/31/34/35 are a standalone product with limited customization options. Unlike full grip replacements, these gloves don’t offer the ability to swap out backstraps or add custom textures. However, they are compatible with most standard Glock accessories, such as weapon lights and magazine extensions. There is no other way to really customize the gloves.
Pros and Cons of Pachmayr Tactical Grip Gloves For Glock 17/20/21/22/31/34/35
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it an accessible upgrade for any Glock owner.
- Easy installation and removal; no gunsmithing required.
- Enhanced grip texture provides improved control, especially in dry conditions.
- Slightly reduces felt recoil due to the added padding.
- Finger grooves promote a more secure and consistent hand placement.
Cons
- Grip can shift or slide down the frame during extended use.
- Tackiness decreases significantly in wet or sweaty conditions.
- May not be suitable for shooters with smaller hands due to the added thickness.
Who Should Buy Pachmayr Tactical Grip Gloves For Glock 17/20/21/22/31/34/35?
The Pachmayr Tactical Grip Gloves For Glock 17/20/21/22/31/34/35 are perfect for casual shooters, Glock owners looking for an inexpensive and non-permanent grip upgrade, and individuals with larger hands who find the stock Glock grip too slim. They are also a good option for those who want to experiment with different grip enhancements without committing to permanent modifications like stippling. This is a low-risk purchase.
Those who should skip this product are serious competitive shooters, law enforcement or military personnel who rely on their firearm in demanding conditions, and individuals who require a rock-solid, non-slip grip in all weather conditions. They will be better served by more permanent grip solutions like stippling. It is recommended to have some grip tape available for situations where the grip’s tackiness is insufficient.
Conclusion on Pachmayr Tactical Grip Gloves For Glock 17/20/21/22/31/34/35
The Pachmayr Tactical Grip Gloves For Glock 17/20/21/22/31/34/35 offer a budget-friendly and convenient way to enhance the grip on your Glock pistol. While they provide noticeable improvements in grip and recoil absorption under dry conditions, their tendency to shift and lose tackiness in wet conditions limits their suitability for serious tactical applications. For the price of $8.49, they offer a decent value proposition for casual shooters looking for a quick and easy upgrade.
I would cautiously recommend these grip gloves to individuals who understand their limitations and are willing to accept the occasional need for readjustment. If you’re looking for a more robust and reliable grip solution, you’ll likely need to invest in more permanent grip modifications. Try it out, and decide if the Pachmayr grip is right for you!