Stihl 38 Magnum II

[thompson1600]

It is from my perspective. I really like my 038 Magnum. I have to blame the Fargo kid, BCorradi for that one, he got me started on the 038 Magnums.

If I sawed all day every day, maybe the weight would matter. I just use it to fell trees and some bucking so I can mill those trees into lumber. For me I really like all the torque that the 038 Magnum brings. The 044's and 046's I used to own were great saws. Not a bad word about them. I just kept the 038 Magnum because it had more low end guts and kept on cutting, where I was able to bog down the 044/046's on occasion. That and it's built like a tank. Only real flaws are the switch and the air filter system. Just keep the filter clean or keep a spare around to switch them out if your sawing a lot.

As for the big bore kits, I'm still waiting for an answer from Grande Dog on whether they really fit the 038 Av (48mm piston) and 038 Super (50mm piston). These two saws use one crankcase and cylinder bolt pattern. The 038 Magnum uses a different crankcase and has a different cylinder bolt pattern. I'm not sure how they can fit all 3 different versions. The big bore kit is just the 52mm piston and cylinder, same as the 038 Magnum already has. (by the way the 046 also uses a 52mm piston, the 044 uses a 50mm piston).

Tom

 

[bikepilot]

I'm also using an 038 magnum for felling/bucking (firewood). I absolutely love the saw. Its a little heavy, but very sturdy and has a mile-wide power curve. It just doesn't bog down. It always starts easily, even after sitting for a few months.

I bought it well used last year, in need of a bar chain and brake band for ~$150 on ebay. I put on a new 18" bar and RS chain and am very happy with its performance.

 

[046]

another vote for $300 sounds a little high to me...
unless the 038 mag is in like new condition, unlikely but does happen.

 

[Brushwacker]

I have an 038 mag II. It is currently down with the rear handle-gas tank housing being cracked under the air filter.
Bought it cheap from a dealer like that and J-B welded it and replaced the ripped carb boot. Cut several days with it and eventually the J-B weld failed causing weight of the front of the saw to pull on the carb boot finally pulling it off at the intake. The tank-handle housing would be my biggest concern. They seem to be in big demand and been going in the vicinity of 70 to $150 on ebay and I see them less often then 6 months ago when I started looking for a good less expensive one. Side by side the 038 mg felt about 85 to 90% the power my ms660 with a little slower cutting speed. Weight and handling felt very similar,probably a tad lighter from what I remember.On the other hand I just purchased an 044 off ebay under $300 with shipping. Reputable seller described in good usable condition.Haven't got it yet. I agree the 038 should be in very good condition for $300. I would ask the seller politely " is there any chance you would take less?" Very few are offended when I put it like that. A majority of sellers start their price on the high side and are happy to take a little less to move something they don't want to keep.

 

[thompson1600]

During the summer the 038 Mag will probably bring $250 or so on ebay. By fall it will bring $350. If it's in near new condition it can bring over $500. Sold lots of them. If it runs good, in good shape and is complete $300 isn't a bad price for fall, but you could get it a little cheaper right now. Come September watch out, prices will go up quickly.

Tom