Thanks to all. My research has pretty much landed me at the decision that I need two tools.
Small gas chainsaw pros:
1. I want one, and can't seem to stop dwelling on it (Stihl MS192T specifically).
2. I really need one because when I cut wood it's an all day affair far away from a charger. My other saws get used too, but are big and heavy.
3. It would suffice as a saw for the van since I won't be carrying it inside, but it's not perfect.
4. It's lightweight, at 7.5# it's much lighter than most of the battery powered saws. They are mostly 9, 10 or even 12 pounds, getting close to the weight of my big saws and they have much less ability for that weight.
5. I can get one new for $279, and I can't find a quality battery saw, plus charger and extra batteries for that little anywhere else. I'm ruling out the 18v stuff because I just don't think it will suffice for my woodcutting needs, so basically I'm meaning the 36 or 40 volt saws.
Cons:
1. Fuel storage issue, not a big one for me though. I'll have mix prepared for anytime it might be needed. I use the mix for many other things around my place year round, mostly my blower.
2. Noise
3. I'm not shelling out for multiple batteries for a cordless saw, too risky and maintenance intensive. No doubt they'd be dead when I needed them, and an emergency is the whole reason I want to carry a saw in the van.
4. My wife and son can't use it, for safety reasons.
Cordless/battery saw pros:
1. Silent
2. Green, but that's not really that much of an issue either. I'm not using it that much.
3. Cleaner and never smelly, can be stored anywhere.
4. They stop instantly when the trigger is released. This is a great way to let me son (and wife when needed) use a chainsaw, and for him a safer way to learn.
cons:
1. Batteries must be maintained and aren't cheap. Yet another thing to remember to plug in and I try to keep most things SMB related off grid. Is it even good to run battery chargers on a MSW inverter?
2. Saws just aren't as robust as gas. The top-of-the-line ones are but they are $7-800 bucks. Not gonna happen right now.
3. Weight, as explained above.
So, basically, I think I'd like both and am trying to decide which one to go for first. If I could borrow or try a battery saw I might be swayed, but I hate to buy something like that and use and possibly return it. I think I will eventually have both types. Tools make me happy.
I also with I could find a few more reviews, Youtube vids, etc. on this one, which is a strong contender on the battery powered side.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_506890-95404-KC ... d=50154344