What STIHL chainsaw should you buy for firewood, acreage, farm work, or regular tree cleanup? The right choice depends on how often you cut, wood size, comfort and budget. This guide compares the standard MS 261, the MS 261 C-M, MS 271, MS 291, MS 311, MS 391 and MS 362, with direct product links and bar-length guidance. Our short answer: The MS 271 FARM BOSS is a strong value for property owners; the MS 261 C-M is our favorite upgrade for frequent firewood cutters who want professional power without unnecessary weight; and the MS 362 makes sense when a 60cc professional saw fits the workload. Specifications below are approximate manufacturer/product-listing figures for powerheads, excluding bar and chain; options vary by configuration. “Listed bar choices” means selectable options on the linked ForesterShop listing, not necessarily the ideal bar for every application. Always verify the precise approved bar/chain setup for your saw. The MS 271, MS 291, MS 311, and MS 391 are farm-and-ranch machines. They are appealing for acreage, storm cleanup and firewood because they offer useful cutting capacity at a different price point from professional forestry saws. The MS 261 and MS 362 belong in STIHL’s professional line, emphasizing working ergonomics and power-to-weight performance for repeat cutting. A professional saw is not reserved for someone who gets paid to cut trees. If you cut multiple cords of hardwood every season, the reduced powerhead weight of the MS 261 C-M relative to similarly displaced farm saws can matter more than a small purchase-price difference over years of use. Shop the standard STIHL MS 261 on ForesterShop → Best fit: A professional 50.2cc saw for users who prefer a conventional, manually adjustable carburetor. The standard MS 261 has the same published 4.0 bhp rating as the C-M and excellent power-to-weight performance. Its carburetor can be adjusted by a qualified technician when needed. It is not the electronically managed M-Tronic version. Best fit: Professional 50cc saw; best for frequent firewood cutting and users who value power-to-weight. At 50.2 cc and approximately 4.0 bhp, the listed powerhead is 10.8 lb. ForesterShop currently lists bar configurations of 16, 18, 20 in.. The right choice depends on wood diameter, operator comfort and cutting attachment. See MS 261 C-M options on ForesterShop → Best fit: High-value farm and homeowner option for firewood and property maintenance. At 50.2 cc and approximately 3.5 bhp, the listed powerhead is 12.3 lb. ForesterShop currently lists bar configurations of 18, 20 in.. The right choice depends on wood diameter, operator comfort and cutting attachment. See MS 271 FARM BOSS options on ForesterShop → Best fit: More displacement than MS 271 for regular property and firewood work. At 55.5 cc and approximately 3.8 bhp, the listed powerhead is 12.3 lb. ForesterShop currently lists bar configurations of 18, 20 in.. The right choice depends on wood diameter, operator comfort and cutting attachment. See MS 291 options on ForesterShop → Best fit: Farm and ranch power, larger tanks, heavy-duty general-purpose work. At 59.0 cc and approximately 4.2 bhp, the listed powerhead is 13.7 lb. ForesterShop currently lists bar configurations of 16, 18, 20, 25 in. listed. The right choice depends on wood diameter, operator comfort and cutting attachment. See MS 311 options on ForesterShop → Best fit: Higher-displacement farm saw for larger firewood and storm cleanup jobs. At 64.1 cc and approximately 4.4 bhp, the listed powerhead is 13.7 lb. ForesterShop currently lists bar configurations of 16, 18, 20, 25 in. listed. The right choice depends on wood diameter, operator comfort and cutting attachment. See MS 391 options on ForesterShop → Best fit: Professional 60cc-class step-up for regular demanding cutting. At 59.0 cc and approximately 4.6 bhp, the listed powerhead is 12.3 lb. ForesterShop currently lists bar configurations of 16, 18, 20, 25 in. listed. The right choice depends on wood diameter, operator comfort and cutting attachment. See MS 362 options on ForesterShop → Our recommendation: For most buyers seeking convenience across different conditions, we favor the MS 261 C-M. If you specifically prefer conventional manual carburetor adjustment, the standard MS 261 is a valid professional choice. Neither model is automatically a better fit for every user. Both are professional 50.2cc chainsaws rated at approximately 4.0 bhp. The key difference is how the engine is adjusted, not a major jump in advertised horsepower. Both use 50.2cc-class engines, but they serve different buyers. The MS 271 emphasizes farm-and-ranch value and everyday practicality. The MS 261 C-M produces about 4.0 bhp at about 10.8 lb, compared with about 3.5 bhp at 12.3 lb for the MS 271. For anyone who cuts often, that extra output in a lighter powerhead is a compelling reason to step up. ForesterShop recommendation: Buy the MS 271 if you want an affordable, capable property saw. Buy the MS 261 C-M if you cut firewood regularly, value maneuverability, and want a saw you are less likely to outgrow. STIHL M-Tronic on the C-M automatically adjusts engine management for operating conditions, unlike a conventional manually adjusted carburetor. The MS 291 at 55.5 cc sits between the MS 271 and the larger farm saws. The MS 311 steps up to 59.0 cc and approximately 4.2 bhp; the MS 391 grows to 64.1 cc and approximately 4.4 bhp. Their increased displacement can help with larger logs and heavier work, but extra size does not automatically make a saw better for frequent limbing or carrying around a property. Our buying logic: Choose the MS 291 for a little more capacity without jumping to the biggest farm saws; consider MS 311 for heavier farm duties; choose MS 391 when you regularly work with bigger wood and favor displacement and cutting capacity. If daily use and fatigue are major concerns, compare the professional MS 362 before buying solely on cc. The MS 362 is an interesting upgrade because its approximately 59.0cc engine produces about 4.6 bhp in an approximately 12.3-lb powerhead. Compare that with the 59.0cc MS 311 at approximately 4.2 bhp and 13.7 lb. Those differences can matter across a long cutting day. The linked ForesterShop MS 362 is the standard, manually adjustable carburetor model. An MS 362 C-M is a different M-Tronic configuration; confirm the exact version you want rather than assuming every MS 362 has electronic engine management. Shop MS 362 → 18 inches: A versatile setup for common firewood and property jobs, especially on 50–55cc saws. 20 inches: Popular for frequent bucking and larger logs, with more reach but additional cutting load. 25 inches: Offered on some larger models; best reserved for specific applications and suitable approved saw-and-chain configurations. A selectable long bar does not mean that bar is ideal for constant buried cuts in hard wood. Never choose a bar from length alone: pitch, gauge, drive-link count, sprocket compatibility, kickback requirements and model-specific approvals also matter. View a STIHL Light 04 20-inch bar-and-chain combination and verify compatibility before ordering. Why choose STIHL? Beyond power specifications, STIHL engineers its own cutting systems and supports buyers through authorized servicing dealers. ForesterShop is part of Valley Power Equipment, a family-operated STIHL servicing dealer with long-standing equipment experience. The best choice is the saw you can safely handle and confidently maintain—not merely the biggest engine in the lineup. The standard MS 261 uses a manually adjustable carburetor. The MS 261 C-M adds STIHL M-Tronic, which automatically manages fuel delivery and ignition timing based on conditions. Both offer professional-level performance in the 50cc class. Standard MS 261 | MS 261 C-M. For regular, lengthy cutting sessions, we favor the MS 261 C-M because its professional design combines more horsepower with less powerhead weight. For occasional property work and value, the MS 271 remains an excellent choice. STIHL positions the MS 391 in its farm-and-ranch range. It has useful displacement for demanding property work, but buyers prioritizing daily use should also compare the professional MS 362. Both are approximately 59cc, but the professional MS 362 provides higher listed horsepower with a lighter powerhead than the farm-and-ranch MS 311. C-M indicates a model configuration using STIHL M-Tronic electronic engine management. Always compare the exact model and generation. A 20-inch configuration appears among ForesterShop MS 261 C-M options. Match the complete cutting attachment to the specific saw and the wood you cut most often. Yes, when cutting volume justifies it and the user has the skill and protective equipment for safe operation. An MS 261 C-M can be a sensible long-term purchase for a homeowner who regularly processes firewood. Ready to compare your options? Browse STIHL chainsaws at ForesterShop or revisit our complete chainsaw buying guide and professional chainsaw guide. Published October 2026. Specs, configurations and availability are subject to change. Always consult current model manuals and authorized dealer guidance.Best Mid-Range STIHL Chainsaws: MS 261 vs. MS 271, MS 291, MS 311, MS 391 & MS 362
Quick STIHL Chainsaw Comparison Chart
Model
cc
bhp
Powerhead lb
ForesterShop bar choices
MS 261 (standard)
50.2
4.0
10.8
16, 18, 20 in.
MS 261 C-M
50.2
4.0
10.8
16, 18, 20 in.
MS 271 FARM BOSS
50.2
3.5
12.3
18, 20 in.
MS 291
55.5
3.8
12.3
18, 20 in.
MS 311
59.0
4.2
13.7
16, 18, 20, 25 in. listed
MS 391
64.1
4.4
13.7
16, 18, 20, 25 in. listed
MS 362
59.0
4.6
12.3
16, 18, 20, 25 in. listed
Farm & Ranch vs. Professional: Why the Difference Matters
Which Model Fits Your Work?
MS 261 (Standard, Manual Carburetor)
MS 261 C-M
MS 271 FARM BOSS
MS 291
MS 311
MS 391
MS 362
Feature
MS 261
MS 261 C-M
Engine management
Conventional carburetor, manually adjusted
M-Tronic electronic management; automatic fuel and ignition adjustment
Displacement
50.2cc
50.2cc
Advertised power
Approx. 4.0 bhp
Approx. 4.0 bhp
Who should choose it?
Operators who prefer a conventional carburetor
Operators who prefer automatic adaptation to changing working conditions
STIHL MS 261 vs. MS 261 C-M: What Is the Difference?
MS 261 C-M vs. MS 271: Which Would We Buy?
MS 291 vs. MS 311 vs. MS 391
When Does the Professional MS 362 Make More Sense?
Should You Choose an 18-, 20-, or 25-Inch Bar?
ForesterShop Recommendations by Buyer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the STIHL MS 261 and MS 261 C-M?
Is the STIHL MS 261 better than the MS 271?
Is the MS 391 a professional chainsaw?
Is the STIHL MS 362 bigger than the MS 311?
What does C-M mean on a STIHL chainsaw?
Is a 20-inch bar right for the MS 261?
Should a homeowner buy a professional chainsaw?
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