Best bars/setup for Stihl 261cm?

[CrystalRiver1]

Nabbed this little guy from a buyer right outside of town.
Runs like scaled dog...cranks on 2 pulls!!!
Sold my 026 a few weeks back...so I guess this will go with my 044 as my "2 Saw Outfit!"
Came with a well used bar and a good chain. 16" .325, .063.
After debating with myself and reviewing seemingly a zillion post on the most efficient setup for MS 261's.

Decided to say with the same setup.
I've looked at a ton of 16" bars, but can't figure what would serve me best.
I cut about 3-4 cords of firewood a yr, do a ton of storm clean up, and a lot of trim work for my Pops.
Here is what I've narrowed it down to.
Tell me your thoughts?

1. 16" Laser Forestry Master Bar, .325 Pitch .063 Gauge, 67 Drive Links Was $18.95 Sale Price $16.99 - https://www.cutterschoice.com/en/41183-16-economy-bar-325-063-(67dl)

2. 16" CARLTON TIMBER CHAMP CHAINSAW BAR for Stihl .325" .063" 67DL 163SLGD025
US $29.50 shipped! http://www.ebay.com/itm/182479460467

3. Silver Streak 16" Laminate Sprocket Nose Bar / .325" Pitch, .063 Gauge, 67 Dl $25.99
https://maverickmowersupply.com/cat...e-sprocket-nose-bar-325-pitch-063-gauge-67-dl

 

[porsche965]

The HP is there to pull an 18", which is what I do. Gives me more reach. Great saw.

Carlton I've had good success with.

 

[Duane(Pa)]

I would spring for OEM B&C. I think the quality is there to justify the dollars. That's just me though...

 

[ABarrick]

I second Duane's advice. But, whatever you do, forget about the silver streak. They're flat out junk.

 

[sawmikaze]

The oregon versacuts in 18" balance the saw well and seem to hold up good , I use them at work and dont have a complaint yet..nice and light too if you care.

 

[CrystalRiver1]

I second Duane's advice. But, whatever you do, forget about the silver streak. They're flat out junk.

Y-I-K-E-S!!!
THANKS!
Wus just about to push the button on that lil rascal.
Think I'll just hook up with OEM or a Oregon.

 

[94BULLITT]

I third Duane's advice.

 

[CrystalRiver1]

Bought this one from Fleabay...thanks for the input guys.
6 nose rivets and a lot of good reviews from this site and others for 026/MS260 use was the clincher.
16" CARLTON TIMBER CHAMP CHAINSAW BAR for Stihl .325" .063" 67DL 163SLGD025
Item price $29.50 total shipped!

 

[Gravedigger]

This is the one I'm trying on my ms261.
http://www.weedeaterman.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=SV2U-3J40HV

It's wearing a stihl 18 bar now but I have other saws now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TJ the Chainsaw Mechanic]

We sell the 261c-m's with 20's. They pull them great.

 

[2stroke800]

We run 20" bars on our ms260's at work with 3/8 .050 rs and rsf chain. They cut great, and only really get bogged down in big logs or if ya lean on them hard. I plan on picking up a new 261mmws and will also run a 3/8 .050 on it with no worries

 

[CrystalRiver1]

Awesome indeed!
I remember my 1st saw which was a Poulan 5020 AV with only 50cc's.
I replaced the stock bar/chain with an Oregon bar & square chisel and it did great, even in some nasty Osage Orange logs!
So with this 16" & chisel chain I should be good for the limited cutting I do.
I'm really excited about how this this MS260 does in comparison to my former 026, which was a small beast with a 16" bar & chisel chain.

I appreciate you guys feedback & experience.

 

[mnmdad]

36" .063 404 with hard nose bar and be sure you use RED ARMOR oil mixed with 110 octane e free gas at 90:1 then ck your piston and rings every 1/2 tank of gas if you cut soft wood,if you cut hard wood you better ck every 1/4 tank and put new crank seals at least every two tanks used !!!

 

[CrystalRiver1]

36" .063 404 with hard nose bar and be sure you use RED ARMOR oil mixed with 110 octane e free gas at 90:1 then ck your piston and rings every 1/2 tank of gas if you cut soft wood,if you cut hard wood you better ck every 1/4 tank and put new crank seals at least every two tanks used !!!

 

[Czed]

Bought this one from Fleabay...thanks for the input guys.
6 nose rivets and a lot of good reviews from this site and others for 026/MS260 use was the clincher.
16" CARLTON TIMBER CHAMP CHAINSAW BAR for Stihl .325" .063" 67DL 163SLGD025
Item price $29.50 total shipped!

View attachment 77849

I have 5-6 of those on different saws.
they hold up fine
I run 18 inch on my 261 stihl rs.
Balances great for me with a 18.

 

[Khntr85]

Wow how long did the square hold up....I cutnosage any chance I get and it is the hardest stuff around me by far....I use Stihl RM when I know I am getting into a load of Osage, man I love that wood!!!!

 

[CrystalRiver1]

Wow how long did the square hold up....I cutnosage any chance I get and it is the hardest stuff around me by far....I use Stihl RM when I know I am getting into a load of Osage, man I love that wood!!!!

It held up remarkably well.
Its all I run 044 also.

I'm pondering over some free Osage trees in TN, but I've gotta drop em, limb em, buck em, load and so forth...just don't know if I wanna wrestle with any burly hedge tree's in 90 degree plus heat & humidity so thick so can make a sandwich out of it!
Shagbark, Black Locust, and Hedge are about all I cut now, because Oak & other species are so plentiful.
Guys here are taking a lot of hickory, maple, elm, ash to the landfills...

 

[Wood Doctor]

It held up remarkably well.
Its all I run 044 also.

I'm pondering over some free Osage trees in TN, but I've gotta drop em, limb em, buck em, load and so forth...just don't know if I wanna wrestle with any burly hedge tree's in 90 degree plus heat & humidity so thick so can make a sandwich out of it!
Shagbark, Black Locust, and Hedge are about all I cut now, because Oak & other species are so plentiful.
Guys here are taking a lot of hickory, maple, elm, ash to the landfills...

Hard to believe that anyone would haul hickory and ash to the landfills. Has Alabama gone bonkers? That's good heating fuel.

 

[CrystalRiver1]

Hard to believe that anyone would haul hickory and ash to the landfills. Has Alabama gone bonkers? That's good heating fuel.

Yep...

 

[RI Chevy]

With that 16" bar and chain, be sure to get an 8 pin rin and experiment. I think you may be happier with the 8 pin on a 16" bar with your 261 CM. Just gives you an option to consider. Cheap enough too.
Good luck with your new setup. Be sure to post up a video with some cuts.