I've used these staple guns for years and never had a problem (that I didn't cause). BUT, they are not idiot proof. Decent maintenance is a must. You will need to occasionally put a little oil or silicone spray on all the pivot points. Most of the jams I've ever had come from 2 issues: 1. not putting enough "squeeze" on the handle to completely fire a staple; 2. having less than a 1/4" staple strip in the magazine. If you have a weak grip, that is not the guns problem, that is your weakness problem. This is a spring operated gun and takes a good grip to fire it. Also, if you are firing it into hard wood or plastic, you will need more strength than if you are firing into pine.