I had a conference in Billings Montana over the last weekend. And apparently my CAD was not put into remission with the purchase of a Husqvarna 266se that M2theB and buZZsaw BRAD helped me to score. I pretty much had my mind made up before I went, that if I could find what seemed like a fair deal I would be coming home with a new, to me, saw. As near as I could tell there’s 16 pawn shops in Billings. I think I made it to 14 of them. Was only interested in Husqvarnas & keeping an eye out for an 028 super for buZZsaw BRAD. Now, I just frequent pawn shops every chance I get, but in a couple years of looking, I’ve never seen so many huskies as I did over the weekend. Here’s a rundown of the desirable models (at least to me) that I came across 272 xp 262 xp 261 385 xp 51 55 ranchers x 3 357 xp 359 & 570 (are they any good? Don’t know a thing about them) Plus a couple dozen other Husqvarna saws. It was tough to pick out just one. But the 357 xp was the lucky saw that got a free ride back to Nebraska. It’s been on the wish list a while. The 272 & 385 were tempting but both looked kinda rough for the money. I’m surprised I didn’t see a 372. I’ll get some pictures of the 357 once I get a chance to check it out and do some cleaning on it. Two saws in less than a month, I hope that satisfies my CAD for a while.
I have seen some nice saws that others have gotten from pawnshops, but whenever I go they are all pretty beat up, especially considering the price they are asking.
357's are hot rods. Open the muffler a bit. They run quite well. Sent from my SM-G930VL using Tapatalk
too bad you didnt know Stihl. Im curious as to what they had. When you cut will you pick a saw at random to use or whatever you feel like using. I mean i have my two pro saws and the 261 (50cc) is my go to with either 16 or 20" bars. If i have a bigger trunk the 460 (77cc) comes along. It usually wears a 28" bar but with the 20" it'll zip through average trunks quickly. The little arborist saw *Husky 334) for limbing, skinnies etc.
Of the 10 or so chainsaws I own, my (ported) 357 wood be the last to go. It's my favorite saw period. Can we ask whatcha paid? Early 500 series are not desirable at all to me. I'm not implying they're junk, just not my cup of tea. I like manual adjust carbs and 3xx series are my sweet spot with Husky. While I love the looks of a lot of the 2xx's, their rubber antivibe just doesn't cut it compared to more modern spring set ups.
The more I get into saws, the more I think I need a ported one, this 357 may be the one to get it! I paid $275 for it
to each his own and NO disrespect to the OP but I make my living with my tools as do many people I know. Pawn shops are an outlet for all the tools stolen off of job sites and the back door of HD, Lowes etc. Yes, they are supposedly "checked"out, I will not buy from them though. I know guys that have found their tools at a pawn shop had proof it was theirs and that they bought it. Guess what pawn shops are protector by law and if you want your tool back you have to buy it back. As long as the thief signs the slip that they got it legally the shop is protected. Just think about the poor worker who had to go buy a new tool to replace the stolen one or the employer that has to buy a new tool to keep his crew working. Rant off.
Wow, you did very well! I paid $680 for mine, brand spanking new in '10. I got Dan Henry (DozerDan) to port it. If I had the chance today, I'd sent it to Kevin (Huskihl). Here it is running in the same wood with an 044 Squeal (70.7cc). Timed, the 357 is just a few tics slower and it is 56.5cc! Both had freshly sharpened square chains.
