I have just bought a Microtach basting gun and I hand quilt. I tried a friend's first on a lap quilt and it worked fine and am about to try on a queen size. Make sure you get one with the finest needle possible - the microtach is great and you have to put them in no further than 4" apart.
I didn't have any problems with snagging. I quilt in a floor standing round frame, I don't know if that makes a difference. I would also recommend getting the special little device for removing the tacks - it's great fun popping them out!
K x