Chainsaw Repair

If you want a saw for a 24" bar, look for a 1127 series saw with a scored piston/cylinder and then buy yourself the parts from Asia to make it into a 039/390. That will give you a 64cc saw in the same frame as the MS290. So for the same weight you have more power. These 1127 series saw respond really well to muffler mods. I have an 039 now with Hutzl piston/cylinder in it and cleaned up the ports a bit before assembly, modded the muffler and it cuts pretty similar to my 044. This series of saw gets lambasted a lot on the saw enthusiast internet sites but they are a reliable unit that will cut firewood for years and years and years with proper care.

Regarding the pawn shop prices, I typically sell the 029/MS290 saws around here for $225. I sold a really nice 029 Super recently for $250. The MS290 and 029 Super both have the same 54cc size engine, the regular 029 engine is slightly smaller displacement. The 039 engine is about 64cc.

If you're going to use a saw every day, then this series of saw is not as good as you can get. If you are a firewooder for your own use and are going to use the saw a day per week, it's a viable option. Buy one used, try it for a few months and make your own conclusion. Don't like it? Sell and get your money back. These saws have a good resale value because of the Stihl label.
Go back to the pawn shop with $200 in cash. Tell them if they'll let you take the saw to your vehicle if you leave that much cash on the counter, they have a deal. They may not accept but hey, won't know until you try. They probably have a lot less then that in it. (half that) but they also know what they can get out of them...