Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Chainsaws - help me pick a pro level firewood saw

I have one of the MS310's. Very under rated in my opinion. Always cranks and has more than enough power for me.

Was just quoted - $1426.93 OTD for a 462 R CM, 25 inch bar and case/scabbard. For another 19 bucks in Stihl oil, they'll double the warranty.

I always tell people to shop saws based on your local dealers. Whoever is the best at service is who you want to buy from. Don't buy big box saws. I have Stihl, Husky, and Jonsered. All were bought when that dealer was the best to deal with. Not I'm lucky that my neighbor is a small engine wizard.

Still sets the price, doesn't't matter if you look online or go to the dealer...all the same.

Many years ago I ran a Stihl O28 super it was a fine saw..nowadays it’s an O26 or MS 361. You can’t go wrong with any of the Stihl Pro models.

Seems very high. I bought a 400C with a 25"light bar for $800 OTD.

All chainsaws start very easy...if you can tune a carb and don't mistreat them with ethanol fuel or stale gas.

I agree with the above. I've used a XP 346 extensively for 15 years and it has worked well. I've always favored high power to weight saws. It's why I have two Stihl 044s for larger work.

That is weird - considering they're about the same saw - power wise, except the 400 has a Mg piston instead of Al. Wondering if that case is uber expensive.

Stihl, starts every time, cuts like a beast.

Why would anyone need something different. Not knocking Husqvarna at all, they're fine saws.

The cases are maybe $60. I believe the case will only work with a 20" bar max as well.

BS!

I take 4 saws to the woods and each has its own personality. A couple ancient ProMac's cough on the second choked pull and run on the third open tug. One Stihl runs on its second pull partial choke. The 460 Stihl will flood if I do one pull in full choke followed with 5 minutes to jerk the plug and air it out. Then it starts on the next pull.

Ever watch Life Below Zero on TV. Everyone up there uses a Stihl, and they always fire on the first tug. Even at -20 degrees. I think they could pull their saws out of a pond and they'd fire right up.

Stihl or Husky for me

I gave 1400 OTD about 7 months ago for a 500i. Dealer ate the tax.

I grabbed a 362cm and the thing is just a turd. Shoud have went bigger

I use on a regular basis husky 350 or a 55 rancher for big tasks a 359 watch out for plastic oil tanks and exhaust cause they’ll melt

Pro production timber fallers in Southern Ore, Nor Cal are running Stihl and Husqy ....don't let anyone tell you one is better than the other....when a pro cutter decides what saw to buy each season, it ALL comes down to the dealer, parts inventory, diagnostic skills, fixt right the first time-every time. Big box farm stores pay their shop guys just a little above cowboy boot salesman...avoid them like the plague.

I've never had an issue starting a stihl or a Husky in 20 below weather and I've done it plenty.
I'll say it again. If a saw doesn't start easily the carb isn't set right.

When I was logging I ran both Husky and Stihl, but mostly Husky. At the time the Husky 372 was better than the Stihl 044 in every way so I went mostly with Husky.
Today I think Stihl is slightly ahead of Husky. After all the "borrowed " many traditional husky features like spring anti vibe, air injection and carbs mounted to the engine directly instead of in the rear handle.

I’ve got a 25” bar on a stihl MS362 I bought a couple years ago to back up the old 20” MS290

Love em both, but that new saw is badass. With a 20” bar it’d scream I bet

Edit to add paid skittle over $800 but that was 2 years back I think. I’ve a dealer for both Husky and Stihl local. I also got the full wrap handle. I’m happy, but I’m not a logger running it 18 hours a day 365 days a year either.