261 is an excellent saw and better than any 270 or 290. You’re stepping up from the homeowner saws to a professional saw which has a much better power/weight ratio. I would caution going with a longer bar, it’s only a 50cc saw and the standard chain on it can’t be had in semi-skip. So you’re sharpening a lot of teeth. We run a 16” or 18” bar on them (can’t remember, but probably 16”) and those have more teeth than the 20”, semi-skip bar on the 362.

If I could only have one saw it would be a 362. If I could have two saws it would be a 261 and 461. I find the 362 to be the “least” amongst their professional saws…but it’s still great!

Got my 261 about 6 years ago after going through 4-5 box store saws. I spent a bit over 600 then and have never regretted it yet. I chose the 18" bar as it was middle of the road. To me the saw has always had plenty of power. About 3 years ago I bought a new MS250 after reading about them. I wanted a second saw with a smaller bar - I had them put a 16" on it. My 261 definitely likes the fuel much quicker than my 250. For strictly cutting firewood over 10-12 inches and dropping trees I can't wrap my arms around I use my 261. For farm work and checking fences and limbing up trees and cutting firewood under 10 inches - I prefer the lighter weight and more efficient 250. That little saw screams and still amazes me and I dont think I paid $250 for it new on a sale Stihl had but again, I dont regret the over 600 for my 261 - the little 250 just really makes me think it was a good saw and price point.