I tried the forward stapler and found those even more difficult with my small hands - I couldn't get a grip to start the action. At least with the conventional type I can start at the lower end and slide my hand along until the action is complete. Or maybe it's because I'm a klutz . . .
I don't know what kind mine is but the spring loaded handle is backwards from the normal setup. I have very small hands, as Austin Powers put it I have "carny hands". I think it is a funny coincidence as I grew up in the carnival, so I am indeed the spawn of carnies. Anyhoo, the backwards handle staple gun has always worked well for me, it holds the business end of the gun firmly against whatever I am stapling.
Ok, just ran down and climbed through a jungle of tropical houseplants to get to my garage. All my staple gun says is POWERSHOT. No other info.
I've had one from Canadian Tire for a few years now and it's been great. Just today I was up on the ladder in the garage closing out the vents for the winter and dropped it twelve feet right onto the concrete floor. The thing with the spring that holds the staples in popped out but nothing was damaged and I finished up the job. I like the forward action, it puts the force of the trigger pressure up front where the staple comes out and that makes more sense than the Arrow, which I still have.
Have a Dewalt DWHTTA 700 Series / aka Stanley TRA 700 Series, Model DWHTTR130LH Compact stapler here, best 20 bucks I've spent in awhile, handles T50 staples 1/4 - 1/2 inch, spring assist, good balance, easy to use in cold weather - just a nice stapler. Got it at HD.
I use a t-50 as well but did try the powershot pro ( the address on it is sadlebrook nj so its made by arrow ) for continued heavy use it probably would be easier or less tiring ,more comfortable but i find myself picking it up backwards because of the way the handle is ,the staples come out the end to the right in the pictures ,its a good tool but i dont seem to do well with change,and it uses t50 staples
The Dewalt stapler here has a low handle (less travel) and spring assist - would be good for folks with small hands and/or needing a lighter touch, but it's definitely a 'hobby / home DIY' class stapler - not intended for any tradesman level use. But it seems well machined, feels solid, and is lightweight. As far as jams/misfires, using fresh staples and keeping the staple channel clean really help with that / really haven't had any issues, and I've put a bunch of staples through it, including this past winter hanging off a 12 foot step ladder, in cold weather gear w/ gloves, to reattach a flapping piece of outside 8 mil clear window vinyl covering here.
I got a pro series since I tore out all my exterior walls to put in new insulation and vapor barrier. I needed it right then as my other on had finally decided that it wasn't going to go thru a second house - being about 25 years old. So, I had to go to the local hardware store where pickings were either pro, or less-than-solid feeling. I have bad enough luck, so decided that I better go Pro.
It says Mastercraft Sure Shot and there's a sticker that says contractor. Hey, I just noticed it's made in the USA, bonus!