I still remember standing at the dealer counter a few years back. The smell of two-stroke oil and fresh rubber was in the air. I was staring at a wall of orange saws, totally stuck.
On one side, I saw the Stihl MS 291. It looked tough. The price was good for my wallet. On the other side sat the Stihl MS 261. It looked the same, but it cost a lot more.
Since then, I have spent many Saturdays cutting wood with both saws. Looking at a paper with numbers is one thing. Using them in the woods is a different story.
Here is what I found when I tested the Stihl MS 261 vs Stihl MS 291.
First Impressions: The Weight Test
I picked up the MS 291 first. It felt solid. It is a “Farm and Ranch” saw. It feels like a heavy tool.
Then I lifted the MS 261.
It was a shock. It felt very light. The balance was perfect. It sat flat in my hands.
The difference is only about 1.5 pounds on paper. But when I was cutting a fallen oak tree at 2:00 PM, it felt like ten pounds. With the 261, my arms were less tired. My back did not hurt the next day.
| Feature | Stihl MS 291 | Stihl MS 261 (Pro) |
| Powerhead Weight | 12.3 lbs | 10.8 lbs |
| Balance | Front-heavy | Neutral / Flat |
| How it feels | Like a heavy tool | Like an extension of your arm |
Power and “Snap”
This part is weird. The MS 291 has a bigger engine than the MS 261. You would think bigger means faster.
I thought so too. I was wrong.
When I pushed the MS 291 into a thick log, it chugged. It has good torque. It keeps pulling when the wood gets hard. It acts like a tractor. It works, but it takes time.
The MS 261 is a race car. I pulled the trigger, and the chain speed was instant. It screams. It cuts wood like hot butter. The engine is smaller, but it is built better. It is snappy, angry, and fast.
| Feature | Stihl MS 291 | Stihl MS 261 (Pro) |
| Engine Size | 55.5 cc | 50.2 cc |
| Horsepower | 3.76 bhp | 4.0 bhp |
| Throttle Response | Slow build-up | Instant snap |
| Cutting Speed | Steady | Very Fast |
The “Plastic vs. Metal” Debate
One cold morning, I looked closely at how these saws are made.
The MS 291 is built on a plastic frame. The engine sits inside a plastic shell. This is fine for most homes. It is tough. But it holds in heat. If you run it hard all day, it gets very hot.
The MS 261 uses a magnesium case. It is metal. It splits in half, just like the big logging saws. This helps the engine stay cool. It also means I can fix it easily if it breaks in ten years. The 291 is much harder to fix.
| Feature | Stihl MS 291 | Stihl MS 261 (Pro) |
| Chassis Material | Polymer (Plastic) | Magnesium Alloy |
| Engine Design | Clamshell | Vertically Split |
| Heat Management | Fair | Excellent |
| Rebuildable? | Difficult | Yes, easy to service |
Starting the Saw (The M-Tronic Factor)
I hate tuning engines. I am not a mechanic. I just want to cut wood.
The MS 291 has a standard carb. When the weather turned cold last November, I had to mess with the choke. I had to twist a screw to keep it running right.
The MS 261 C-M has a computer inside. It is called M-Tronic. It tunes itself. It does not matter if it is hot or freezing outside. I pull the cord, and it runs. I never touch a screw.
| Feature | Stihl MS 291 | Stihl MS 261 (Pro) |
| Fuel System | Standard Carburetor | M-Tronic (Electronic) |
| Tuning Required | Yes (Manual screws) | No (Auto-adjusts) |
| Cold Starts | Can be finicky | Reliable and easy |
| Altitude Adjust | Manual | Automatic |
Quick Specs Breakdown
Here is a quick look at the numbers that mattered most to me.
| Feature | Stihl MS 261 C-M | Stihl MS 291 |
| Best For | Heavy daily use | Weekend firewood |
| Price Class | High (Premium) | Mid-Range |
| Vibration | Low (Anti-vibe springs) | Medium (Rubber buffers) |
| Chain Pitch | .325″ RM3 | .325″ RM3 |
My Final Verdict
So, which one should you take home?
Stick with the MS 291 if:
You are watching your budget. If you only cut wood a few times a year, this saw is great. It is strong. You will save money. You can use that cash for gas and oil.
Splurge on the MS 261 if:
You value your time and your back. If you heat your house with wood, the speed is worth it. The low weight helps too. It makes the work fun. I found myself looking for more wood to cut just because the saw was a joy to run.
FAQs – Stihl MS 261 vs Stihl MS 291
Is the Stihl MS 261 worth the extra cost?
The Stihl MS 261 is worth the cost if you cut often. It is lighter and cuts faster than the MS 291. The strong metal build helps it last for years of hard work.
What is the main difference between MS 261 and MS 291?
The Stihl MS 261 is a pro saw built with strong metal. The MS 291 is a farm saw made with plastic. The 261 is lighter, faster, and easier to fix if it breaks.
Can the Stihl MS 291 run a 20-inch bar?
Yes, the Stihl MS 291 can run a 20-inch bar. However, an 18-inch bar often works best. The saw cuts smoother and keeps high chain speed with the shorter bar.
Does the Stihl MS 261 C-M need tuning?
No, the Stihl MS 261 C-M does not need tuning. It uses a smart chip to set the fuel mix. It starts easy and runs strong in both cold and hot weather conditions.
Is the Stihl MS 291 good for cutting firewood?
Yes, the Stihl MS 291 is great for firewood. It has good torque for thick logs. It is a solid choice if you need to cut a lot of wood for your home on weekends.