While we were starting our new home my wife "splurged" on a new dripless caulk gun. I almost croaked when she told me it cost $18 but my old one was so caked up I just said OK!. As it turns out, after tons of used during the past few months, 18 bucks was a good investment. You never have a string of caulk hanging out of the tube. In fact, thinner material like latex actually sucks back in a little when you release the trigger. I also believe you get more distribution from a single trigger pull. In time this thing might pay for itself in saved caulk, let alone more simple application.
RonB