After weeks of calling to all the dealers within an hour of me trying to find an ms261cm, one called and said they just got one in. Dropped what I was doing and drove to get it. I wanted a 16” bar all they had was an 18”, wasn’t about to complain and took it. Earlier in the day an ash was offered so I had the perfect break in for it. Didn’t take a spare chain or file, thought metal was highly unlikely and found it less than half a tank later. I was very happy with how it was cutting until the sparks, cattle fencing. Wood is for my parents so it was a good day. Some of it was turning punky not sure if I’m going back for the rest.
Congrats! I read a great fan following of that saw. I really like my 026 But I love my 550’s Would be interested to run a 261cm with the 550 side by each..
Thanks! I would be interested to see as well. I only got to use it for about 15 minutes at the most, maybe only 10. Only thing I can say for sure is day and night difference in weight between it and my 390 and it seemed to cut just as fast. Was worried about buyers remorse and that’s definitely not the case. 390 is only getting used for big wood requiring noodling from now on, it’s just about 20 years old. If it ever dies it’s getting replaced with a 462.
It looks good with an 18” bar. I got mine with a 16” bar, because it’s all I’ve ever used on a 50cc saw. 16” for 50cc 20” for 70cc. A co worker of mine just got one with an 18” bar. I have a 260 too and it’s been a dependable firewood saw. Congrats on the new saw!
Ha ha, no if I’m going to get yelled at with the “you just bought a saw!” its going to be over a 462 and I’m not going there anytime soon!
Congrats on the new saw! You'll like it. I'd bet you won't pick that 390 up much anymore. Break it in & get ported & you'll be in love.
The 462 is worth the sacrifice of an ear chewing or 2 and a few cold nights. Lol I’ve never driven a Porsche, but I’d say it’s like having a Porsche in your hands.
Congrats on the new saw Winston. Pretty sure you will come to like the 18" bar/chain. It will really wake up after 6-8 tanks of fuel. What dealer if I may ask?
I’ve had 261cm for 5 or 6 years or so, and it’s my go to firewood saw now. Much lighter than my 046’s. Mine wears an 18” bar. I tried a 20” 3/8 on it, but it’s just a little much. Congrats on the new saw! By the way, punky ash keeps ya warm at least 3 times!
Congrats Winston ! I’ve wanted a 261c for quite a while, but just can’t justify it when I already have a 026 and a 260. I’m very saw envious!
Nice 261! I kinda want one for myself. Don't be afraid to buy a 462, you will be amazed, I love mine.
Thanks for all the congratulations. I haven’t had that many saws, learned in my early teens on a homelite super xl, no chain brake, and was a nightmare to start. I got knocked flat on my back one time, with my first kick back, saw went over my shoulder, I was using it as taught to never ever have my body or head directly behind the bar. I later picked up a mid 70’s Poulan xxv at a yard sale for 20$ and got over 10 years out of it and then got the ms 390 about 19-20 years ago and now this 261. A 462 is a pipe dream and is only happening if the 390 ever has a catastrophic failure. A lot of consideration went into the 261, it’s by far the nicest saw I’ve owned. From everything I’ve heard here, it should last forever if I take care of it.
