Yes, here we go again. Anyone posts wanting a mid-sized saw, and the Forum goes and talks them into buying a 5100 or a 361. Both are good saws, but there is nothing wrong with a 290 or a 310 in my book. They work, and work well. They are tried and true saws.
As for the Stihl MS 361 being all plastic, there is a BIG difference in the tanks and lower engine components of a 361 and say, a 290 (I own and regularly use them both). In critical places, the pro saws like the 361 in the Stihl line are made of metal. They also have goodies on them like rim drives and metal side covers. They also have better engine components that will put up with more stress and use.
A 361 is gonna cost you a whopping $600 out the door though. WAY out of your $400 budget. You can get a used beater 361 for that, but I would opt for a new 290 or the 310 myself. I run a 20 inch bar on my 290 all the time too (with full comp). It will aso drive a 16 or 18 inch bar just fine. No problemo. Dunno about Huskies, never used them much. The Dolmar 5100 would be worth a close look at though. You may be able to get one under budget, but out the door and/or shipped? Not likely. If there is a Dolly dealer near you... here there nearest one is 100 miles away.
My 2 cents... the 361 is a great saw. But at a higher price. The 290 or 310 will serve you just fine though.
