Raptor,
First, and foremost..DO NOT BUY A HUSKY FROM LOWES!!!! I purchased 4 Husky tools from a small local dealer, rather than from Lowes. The dealer was cheaper than Lowes everytime, plus you get a full tank of gas, an operational demo, and service if you every need it. As far as chainsaws, I own a ~12 yr old Husky 61 Rancher w/20" bar which I inherited from my father-in-law. I spent $0.29 on a replacement hose, and it runs great. Unfortunately it is pre-antikickback safety device, so I opted to get a new saw about a month ago. After two hours B.S.ing with the dealer, I ended up with two saws. A Husky 350 w/16" bar for limb trimming, and a 372XP w/24" bar for real cutting. /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif My wife wasn't too happy, even after I told her thaty the 350 was for her. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif Of course the 372 is my favorite, but I use the 350 more often. Enough about me.
If I remember right, the 355 Rancher is about $350, but for $50 more I would opt for the 348XP. The only drawback is a .325' chain instead of 3/8". This Husky model is probably more comparable to the Stihl. It does run up to 14,700rpm. If you are willing to go up to a 359, Husky has deal at participating dealers where you get a free case of oil and 25 feet of chain. You would need to buy the saw by 30 Nov. I don't know anything about Stihl, I just really like my local dealer, and he sells Husky.