Stihl 250 & 381

[rovers90]

Anybody come across MS250 and MS381 chainsaws? Cannot see them in the 2016 catalogue so are they old models?

[harrythecat178]

MS250 replaced by MS251 approx 6 years ago. I have never seen a MS381, presume it could be a non imported to the UK model

[Richard Thompson]

I have an 038 and an ms391, a friend of mine has an ms380

All three are basically the same in overall dimensions and CCs and specs. Stihl just went up eleven numbers instead of one

Also the ms250 is a homeowner saw the ms261 is a professional saw as was described to me by my dealer

[SawTroll]

I have an 038 and an ms391, a friend of mine has an ms380

All three are basically the same in overall dimensions and CCs and specs. Stihl just went up eleven numbers instead of one

...

 

The 391 is a plastic cased homeowner saw, and has no relation at all to the 380 or 381.

 

The 381 is the latest development of the ol' 72cc 038 Mag II (via the 380) - and made by Stihl in Brazil, for mostly "third world" markets.

 

It is Pro saw, just badly outdated despite the upgrades.

 

The 038 basically was replaced by the 044 in the late 1980s on "Western" markets.

[SawTroll]

MS250 replaced by MS251 approx 6 years ago. ....

 

I don't think it is quite that long ago, but it has happened, at least in Western Europe.

 

However, in the US it still was sold as a current model the last time I looked (not long ago at all) - and I assume it still is current on several other markets as well.

[NFG]

I don't think it is quite that long ago, but it has happened, at least in Western Europe.

 

However, in the US it still was sold as a current model the last time I looked (not long ago at all) - and I assume it still is current on several other markets as well.

 

I think the update to 251 was about 2012 ish, the 250 isnt bad on a short bar - 14" although the actual length is closer to 13". Its better in its basic offering without the tool-less tensioner which dosn't work, but I prefer my Husky 346 which is 50cc and has a lot more rip.

 

N

[flatyre]

had an ms250, not sure how old it was but it couldn't make it more than half a day without s**ting itself.

[SawTroll]

I think the update to 251 was about 2012 ish, the 250 isnt bad on a short bar - 14" although the actual length is closer to 13". Its better in its basic offering without the tool-less tensioner which dosn't work, but I prefer my Husky 346 which is 50cc and has a lot more rip.

 

N

 

The 251 isn't just an "update", it is a totally different design (but if it is better or worse remains to be seen, likely it depends on your priorities). The shortcomings of the 250 are plentiful, but the 251 is heavier - I wouldn't want to own either of them. All "tool-less" chain adjusters suck, not just the one on the MS250.

 

The 346xp is in a totally different class, as it is a pro saw, and one of the best ever made.

[Stubby]

 

The 346xp is in a totally different class, as it is a pro saw, and one of the best ever made.

 

Godda agree on this .

[NFG]

 

The 346xp is in a totally different class, as it is a pro saw, and one of the best ever made.

 

Godda agree on this .

 

Me too

 

As for the 250, I was in need at the time & a 241 would have been a better choice but not on the shelf.

 

N

Edited May 17, 2016 by NFG