I have a basting gun and used it for years..... i made my own "frame" out of a plastic grid overhead florescent light cover from Lowe's to put under my quilts so that i could do it more efficiently. I loved it....having spent many years inserting TOO MANY safety pins into quilts. HOWEVER....since i was introduced to the Elmers washable glue method here on the Board, that is the only method i use. Still have the gun and tacks...just in case....but you should really give the Elmers a try.