OK if you want to try a hard tire to put on - try Mutanoraptors (MTB tires) on tubeless rims. I loved how the tires worked in sandy and silt butfeared a flat on the trail as I coudln't remove and replace the tires myself.
As to air gauge, you need to make sure the holding level (right term?) is properly engaged. The meter doesn't move all that quickly but should work. I love my Morph pump!