I have had a basting gun for almost 20 years and I use it quite a bit. It uses red or clear plastic tacks and I haven't had any problems with it. Yes, it sometimes hangs up but all tools have glitches occasionally. I love 505 basting spray. It is my very favorite if you don't over-spray and get the item too wet and get it all over the floor or table or you.
Basting with large safety pins is good for smaller projects like table runners or toppers but my least favorite method is hand basting with thread. It's just not my favorite style.