Is the spark plug the correct one for the saw? Maybe the piston is hitting it. Also, remove the muffler and check for carbon buildup. That is a high compression saw, pull the rope slowly until you feel resistance then give it a short quick pull. Hope this helps.

Canguy, thnks for the tips! It turns out I was pulling too quickly on the starter cord, and that appears to have been causing it to bind up. If I do as you mentioned, pull the rope slowly until it starts to catch, then give a quick pull, it works fine. It just takes some getting used to I guess!

Sure makes the fingers sting when it kicks back doesn't it? LOL.