First off, it comes with two nosepieces, one for framing and one for metal connector applications. This will save you a couple hundred bucks by eliminating the need to buy a dedicated metal connector nailer. It fires 21-degree plastic-collated full round head stick nails, in lengths of 2 to 3-1/2 inches and shank diameters of .113 to .162 inches. With the metal connector attachment, you'll need 23-degree plastic-collated full round head metal connector nails, 1-1/2 or 2-1/2 inches and shank diameters of .131, .148 and .162 inches - but with the metal connectors, you can load just one stick at a time.

The nosepiece conversion is quick and easy, provided you haven't installed the included Smart Trigger (this one is black), which lets you fire in a bump mode, because the metal connector feature can only be used with the factory-installed sequential trigger (the gray one). Nevertheless, it's a money-saving feature we love.

The depth-of-drive is a pleasure instead of a chore, because it's regulated by Bostitch's patented push-button method. After you depress the button, you physically slide the contact arm and release the button. Loading fasteners also is a two-second task - pull the latch back, drop the nails in, let the latch go, and you're ready to work. They couldn't have made it easier. And here's a neat little thing they designed into the gun: a notch at 16 inches, so all you need for on-center work is, well, the nailer.

The gun itself is made of lightweight magnesium, so it's both light and rugged, and it won't take a terrible toll on your arms, shoulders and back, even after a day of putting up sheathing, siding, trusses, fencing or even a backyard deck. If you're considering a metal connector gun anyway, buying this is like getting the other gun for free. We like Bostitch guns, and this one is a keeper.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste