FisherSpace Pen Original Astronaut Space Pen, AG7 Series, Ballpoint, Chrome, Black Ink, Gift Box

*(Info on spring issue below)1st of all, if you never used any type of Fisher Space Pen, a negative review would be like comparing apples to oranges, Fisher to other brands. That said, I have only used fisher bullet pens for the past 15 years or so. Love their quality and performance but lost a few from my pants pocket until I came up with a 'system' (bullet pen sheath).This pen, the Original Astronaut Space Pen' (AG7). Inside: uses the same ink cartridge as my bullets. Outside and mechanics: When I put the cap on the bullet pen and hold it side by side with this one, they sort of look alike, in length and how they taper to the point unlike the newer Fisher Shuttle Space Pen which does not taper. Some people like that but I prefer the taper.The AG7 is a 'plain' pen. The chrome is a nice touch, it writes like a Fisher space pen should and, perhaps it's a bit on the light side but it has enough weight for me. The price is what it is, can't compare it to other brands because it has that Fisher 'uniqueness' factor. So, with the correct spring, 5 stars but as sold with the weak spring, 2-3 stars. See following.*So, WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT? First, understand that it has a 'different' point load and release mechanism than many similar pens. I like that it has a side release button. But, as many reviewers have mentioned, the spring point load and release spring is too weak. The one I purchased 'had' this issue. I read many reviews and learned that there was a different and stronger spring originally and fisher decided weak is better. Maybe for the astronauts, but not here on earth where you could load the ink point with a flick of the wrist or in your pocket. I doubt that if you decided to take your chances on getting the original spring, YOU WILL NOT.I saw that another reviewer had called Fisher directly and after a little hassle, they sent a new 'barrel' with the 'original spring'. They have them sitting around and obviously know of the issue. I did the same, my pen is now PERFECT, the spring is strong, just right. (They send a new barrel because they say it is difficult to remove and install a new spring.)Another easier fix is to add a 2nd spring from another pen to the current barrel, one that fits. I tried it and it worked too. But hey, since Fisher sent me a new one, why not?

Yes, it’s a famous pen. More importantly it is just a really well made pen and it writes perfectly. Worth the price even if it wasn’t a space qualified pen.

After my Rite in the Rain pen stopped clicking because it was almost completely plastic and the mechanism had worn down I needed to find a more permanent solution. I prefer a pressurized cartridge and click style when it comes to pens, so I did a little research and stumbled upon the Fisher brand. My search was for completely metal pen's so no malleable and weak plastic. I found the AG7. I'm not a chrome type of person so when I found the black titanium nitride version I knew I had found the perfect pen. Nothing beats the weight, color, style, and feel of this pen, even the click mechanism feels so much different than your normal click pen, in a good way. This pen is definitely worth the extra money if you're not the kind of person to lose small items like this. Honestly, it's been my daily driver since having it, and I plan on keeping it that way. I have had no issues since owning it but have read reviews of the pen eventually falling apart, glue or something separating. I haven't owned it long enough to see if that's still an issue.Be careful ordering it from Amazon as the seller, I received the normal AG7 (chrome), not the AG7-BTN (black titanium nitride). The chrome AG7 sells for about $35 so you can see my dismay when I opened my package to stumble upon the wrong item. Oddly enough it was in a box with a sticker stating it was the BTN version so I assume someone had swapped it out and I was the unlucky one who had received it. Although the pen was in good condition, paying roughly $80 for a pen the manufacturer and Amazon generally sells for $35 is not what my intentions were. I returned the item and cancelled my replacement and decided to purchase from Altman Luggage here on Amazon. The item was shipped fast and arrived earlier than Amazon expected it to.