Should I buy

[Msarti]

Hello, first time newbie here.
I want to buy a new saw. Considering a 261 cm. I currently have a Stihl 440 magnum with 25” bar and a Stihl 391 with a 20” bar. This saw would be for woods use and for bucking smaller logs. I and am looking for a lighter smaller combo, Maybe a 16” or 18” bar. Please chime in with your opinions. Thanks in advance, Mark.

 

[johnsayen]

I started with a 251 and then upgraded to a 261cm. I love the saw with bars between 16 and 20”

 

[Natster]

Just a comment. As time goes foreward, power goes up, and weight goes down. Unless EPA gets involved, then power goes down, and weight goes up. The key is to buy a very popular saw, with a big customer base, that's pretty new.
But, that's a lot of saws!
N

 

[old guy]

Buy it, you'll like it.

 

[Ronaldo]

The 261's are great saws. You'll find that you grab it before your others.

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[holeycow]

You'll love a good 50cc saw! The others will mostly sit. Imo, 50cc means 16" bar unless you lose a bunch with silly large double dawgs (which get in the way when limbing and such, imo). You have your other saws barred correctly, so do the same with your 50.

or not...

 

[Msarti]

Good advice on bar length. I will go with 16”. It will handle 75 percent of my work. You guys are great. Thanks again

 

[jellyroll]

keep the 440 sell the 391 and buy a 261 that is what i would do.

 

[Hand Splitter]

Agree. You won’t use the 391 anymore if you get a 261. I traded my 391 for a 260. Wish I had the 261, I don’t really like tuning saws.

 

[Ronaldo]

A 16" bar will cut a decent round.
This is my 50cc with a 16", running 3/8 chain.

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[EchoRomeoCharlie]

261 with an 18"

261 has plenty of power to pull 18" fo full comp chain through hard wood, I don't see a reason to use a smaller bar personally...20" if it was your only saw, but 16 is just a waste IMO.

 

[Frenchbastard]

I have a 261 cm and it is a ripper!!!! Very nice, starts easy and really pulls nice. I haven't had it long, but its been nice thus far. I thought I had an oiler problem with it, apparently i was just "piss" reving it too much, causing oil to puddle when i shut it down. It has not done that since cutting in wood. Hope that helps! I have to add, as an Echo fan as well, the 501p is a nice option too! Cheaper and a great reliable saw. These newer Echos are pro saws!!!! As for the 261cm, its been about 30° temp change in the past week. I've used the saw in 50° and 25° this past week. It has run great and the m-tronic has done its job.