Mark I have a 20 lbs stuffer from Gander and it has metal gears and is identical to the NT stuffer that size. Of course I have had mine for some time and they may be selling a different manufacturers product now.
First off welcome to SMF. You'll like this place for there are alot of folks here that would just love to help you with just about anything to do with smoking meat. You will find alot of good recipes and techniques here also. so with all that said:
Welcome to your new Addiction
I would recommend the northen tools stuffer it is made well and much better then the one I have from Gander Mountian.
In a smaller 5lbs stuffer I dont think so. Just remember that most of the broke gears comes from bottoming out the stuffing plate and trying to continue to go. Most nylon gear stuffers, metal replacement gears can be found. Larger stuffers say 15-20 lbs models I would go with the metal gears. The NT stuffers are a good value. All stainless and chrome. Don't worry about metal stuffing tubes. YOu can always replace the plastic ones if ya wear em out. The 20 lbs stuffer I have came with metal gears. I have never been sorry for buying bigger in this instance. I usually make a min. of 30 lbs of sausage at a time. I started making 5lbs test batches and once my recipes were what I wanted start making larger batches and freezing.can anyone comment on the weston 7 #er it has metal gear. Shooter I would be the one to start this and go a little crazy. Most of the ones here being recommended have nylon gears is that something to be concerned about.