I'm glad you are happy with the Ryobi gun; I found it deficient. I too was hoping not to buy the cartridges, but for me, the most important thing is a tool that performs. I've used a Paslode 16 gauge angled gun for site work for more than 15 years with good results! I have the ability to share gas with the Paslode brad nailer. A pneumatic brad nailer, my standard for performance, stays in the shop and gets plenty of use too. For most applications I'm using these guns to secure trim and smaller moldings (not 2x framing lumber), in people's finished homes. A light set-up is nice in the field!