Depends on what you want it for. Pretty heavy for the average weekend warrior, it is a pro logging saw.

How would this saw compare to and old 08s that I currently have?

Canguy, what is the 038 equivalent today? I am not familiar with the older 0xx models. How is parts availability for the 038? How does $400 sound for that saw? I was thinking a little high, but I don't know that market.

The modern equivalent is the MS441 which is faster and lighter. It had better be in really good shape for that kind of money, I wouldn't pay more than 250 then only if I had to have a felling saw. My back won't take that nonsense any more.

I get you. The 440/441 are a really nice saw. I can imagine what they are like. I was thinking of picking up an 076 I saw to try my hand at milling but I decided I did not have the time nor the patience to keep an old saw like that running (looking for parts when needed). Heavy and slow but they have a ton of torque apparently.

How long of a bar could I put on this unit if I wanted a longer bar?

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An 038 Mag will pull a 28" bar just fine...

An 038 Mag 2 will pull a 32" bar just fine...

Regular 038 AV will pull a 24" bar fine... and when needed can pull a 28" bar.

It's supposed to be mag 2. What years would they have been made. Trying to get an idea of how old it might be and decide if I should make an offer. I could a pretty decent smaller saw for that price new.

These things are going for about $250 on ebay (3). One went for 280 recently but it had extra bars and chains. Offer $250 and show him the ebay listings, he'll avoid the hassles and sales fees by selling to you.