In colder weather, yes, but in warm-weather situations I prefer this option and it's not blueing I'm concerned about. Most of the guns I'm using them on have pattern-welded barrels (i.e., Damascus). There is an added side-benefit of a perhaps more-consistent hand position on the tubes as well?
In general, gloves do provide better overall protection to a guns finish, especially during hunting use. Even during carry, your skin oils on the action and the back of the barrels take their toll over time and I use good, light gloves whenever I can. But, when it's warm (especially in the early season), this is a good option as well and... I actually like the feel of a good gun in my hands then (it's all part of that reintroduction to using a game gun on birds again each Fall).
I might add that I see game guns and target guns very differently. The weight, of course, being the biggest difference and how it affects everything else (the mount, the swing, the follow-through, recoil, etc.). It's really two very-different worlds to me. My heavy American 12s are primarily used for targets and that is usually in the warmer months.
Last edited by Lloyd3; 04/30/24 11:21 AM.
