The only way to really determine what is going on is to use a timing light and find out where the spark is occurring with respect to TDC (spin engine with drill method). If the coil is one that has ****** for easy starting, the spark should occur at 10-20deg BTDC, if it has fixed timing the spark should never be more than 30deg BTDC. This will confirm if coil timing is correct and FW has not rotated on the crank. If timing seems right, you might be having a detonation issue. In a normal spark/fire event, when the spark occurs and ignites the fuel, the flame front expands at a known "slow" rate and the timing is set so that maximum pressure occurs just as the piston goes over TDC. With detonation, when the ignition occurs, the whole fuel charge explodes at once (no regular burn) and exerts extreme pressure on the piston and can drive it backwards if it occurs slightly BTDC . Detonation is normally found in a hot engine running on a lean fuel mix with fuel that is too low in octane. Saws that have had a lot of use can have a significant buildup of carbon which will effectively increase the compression, and detonation is a function of compression ratio and the octane rating of the fuel so if the "rip it out of your hands starting" has gradually been getting worse, it could be a carbon issue. Inspect the top of the piston for buildup, maybe try a higher octane fuel? Set the tune as rich as possible. If carbon is an issue, it's tear down time.Because the handle either stops dead or more frequently pulls back, right out of your hand with incredible force. Feels like it's gonna break your finger. That thing hit my leg once and left a big bruise, even thru my insulated pants. The top of the saw has black marks on it from the rubber striking it. Until you have it happen to you, you can't imagine it. I have a bud at work with a 261 that is shelved for the same reason. Another has a 361 also shelved. Both of them are waiting on my fix, for theirs. Mine is a "home saw". There's is a work saw for the fire department. It HAS TO WORK when needed.