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I was amazed how nicely this big gun got into the tight spaces -- such as the acute angle on 45 degree hangars.In awkward spots I often found myself deliberately using my little finger to pull the trigger. My deck has a lot of awkward corners. I had to pay attention and reload before I got down to the last few nails. I can't imagine a smaller magazine being worthwhile when it takes 8 to 10 nails per hanger.One small downside is that this gun does not fire the last three nails properly. I used the Bostitch MCN250 with 1 1/2" galvanized 10d nails. The gun has a firm but managable trigger and *excellent* failsafes against misfiring or firing when the nail wasn't properly placed in the joist hangar nail hole. It was no big deal if I ran down to the last nails, the gun would simply fire but not drive a nail. Bostitch also makes the same gun with a smaller magazine (this one holds two strips -- roughly 50 nails).
If you have a bunch of metal connectors to nail, this gun can really save your arm. If you need to get in to really tight places, and can get away with 1-1/2" only nails, the Bostitch MCN150 is also a good choice. Slighter larger than the 150 model, it can hold two clips of nails, and it can shoot the 2-1/2" hanger nails which are becoming much more common.
Also, the framing nailer is larger, not fitting inbetween the joist bays as well as the MCN250. The Bostitch MCN250 is smaller than the Hitachi, has a rafter hook, and replacement parts cost less. I don't think so. So anyway, it's about time. I have a Bostitch framing nailer that has the metal connector tip, but you have to special order the plastic collated nails. When my Hitachi metal connector nailer broke down again, I found that Bostitch had added MCN-250.
There comment was "most" of the need for nailing off hangers and clips is for the 1-1/2" nails. I live in snow load and earthquake country, and much more than half of the metal connector nails I shoot are 2-1/2". That requires planning ahead. It broke a few times, but it's been used through about 10 houses. I actually thought they missed the market when they came out with the MCN150. The Bostitch costs less, is American made (Isn't it.).and replacement parts cost 1/3 of the Hitachi parts.
I'm sold. I've used the Hitachi for years, and it's been good.
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