I have a 661 for big stuff and I would use it for everything if I could, BUT, it is heavy and the power is not needed for small stuff. I have mid-range saws also. For what the original poster wanted, I think that the 261c is a great choice. That is a strong saw, for no bigger than it is and I think that with a mm, it would even be better. I ran mine enough the other day to break it in pretty well and I was impressed. I have other "mid-range" saws, but I think that a 261c with an 18-inch bar (mine has a 20) would be a super mid-range saw.