Stihl serial number

[MustangMike]

For reference, my 10 mm 044 was purchased in Dec 92 and the SN starts with 126. I believed they assigned blocks of SNs to different saw models on an ongoing basis. The first # (1) indicates a build in Germany. After that, it is somewhat chronological.

 

[Wildwilly]

You can ball park it from other close SNs, I think your Dad's recollection is about right.

Hey MustangMike,
I bought a Stihl ms 290 on Facebook but I believe it is a MS 261, MS 271, or MS 291 because the parts number is 1141. The serial number is 503550148. Was wondering is anyone has thoughts or answers?

 

[MustangMike]

The 5 means it was manufactured in the USA. I believe all 261s are made in Germany (#1). The 290 became the 291. They are clamshell saws (not pro saws). They don't have the power to weight of a pro saw, and they are harder to work on or modify. Other than that, they are OK.

 

[hacskaroly]

The 5 means it was manufactured in the USA. I believe all 261s are made in Germany (#1).

Both of the 261s I have start with a '5' for their serial number.

 

[MustangMike]

OK, I guess they started making them here. A 261 looks a lot different than a clamshell saw.

Which do you have? 261C saws are one of my favoirites.

 

[hacskaroly]

Which do you have? 261C saws are one of my favoirites.

I have a 261C and am working on another 261C for a friend who cold seized theirs.