complete beginner,looking for Stihl chainsaw advice,help!

[msmith]

Advice stands, get some training.

Once you have a grasp from training go and buy a Stihl 461, don't buggarise round with the little saws, they are to slow
and gutless.

I agree. I bought an 034 (a hair smaller than a 361) back in 91 and have been very pleased with it. Last year I bought a 461 and wished that I had bought a saw this size years ago. Most of what I cut is nut trees (oaks, hickories), cherry, sugar maple and a smattering of poplar up to 2 feet, and occasionally a little bigger.

 

[msmith]

I also have an 025. Nice saw, but it's mostly just for backup in case I get pinched, limbing, or tossing on the ATV to cut limbs off of our cattle fence.