I use this saw on a daily basis and there is no other saw I would consider. I have tried both the DeWalt and Bosch versions of this saw and do not care for either. Although each of the saws cut well, the construction doesn't seem to be as sturdy as the Mag.
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br /The Mag 77 is the smoothest and comfortable saw among the three. If this is your first saw beware the torque on start up, it will turn the saw in your hand a little, once you're used to it its not a big deal though. The weight of the saw will also help keep your cuts straight.
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br /Any saw will bind up under too much pressure from any material. If this happens to the Mag, the motor will continue to spin and the blade will stop moving, this is a built-in saftey feature to prevent burning up the motor by seizing it with too much torque.
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br /Skil made a few recent improvements to the table, or plate as many call it. Previously, it was just a flat piece of aluminum, but recently Skil rounded the edges which provides much more ridgidity and will prevent it from warping. I can attest to this as I dropped my newest saw 12 feet off a ladder and the plate is in perfect condition (except for a modest scratch)! I also highly recommend a rafter hook to prevent such occurances.
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br /One other improvement on the latest Mag 77 is a fatter flange on the blade guard. This prevents binding on thinner material, especially when cutting at angles. Some professionals will pin or remove their guards due to this problem, I strongly recommend that the guard be left intact. Saftey is much more important than convenience. I would rather keep all of my limbs and deal with an annoying guard than the other way around. Accidents happen way too often without inviting them.
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br /Overall I believe there is no better saw on the market. Whether you are a weekend warrior or a proffessional builder this is the saw to own and most in the industry agree, just look at the number of these saws on any jobsite.
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br /Make sure you buy the package with the bag as it is the saw with the upgrades I mentioned (HD77M-22).
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br /If you want the best for a lifetime get a Mag 77.

I own several other circ saws, including a Makita hypoid (Their name for worm drive) They don't even come close. If you can't spend the $190.00 for one of these saws buy a $50.00 black and decker and use a good Marathon blade in it, because everything else in my opinion is in the same class and you would be wasting the extra money. If it was possible to rate this saw with 10 stars I would. The black bag gets dirty easily and the saw doesn't fit with the blade installed, but who cares about that stuff!!!

Like the title of my review implies, I consider this saw to be the animal of my collection. I've ripped through all types of wood with it as well as concrete slabs. It's alot heavier than a sidewinder saw, but definetly worth it's weight in gold. Here's a tip for all of you prospective buyers: Be sure and blow out all of the dust and debris that get all over the saw with some compressed air whenever you get the chance. If you don't, it will stall out on you. As long as you keep it clean and lubed, it should out live you!

This saw made me a better carpenter. Combined with a Freud Diablo II blade, this saw handles 2 x dimension lumber so easily that you can make incredibly smooth and straight cuts. When cutting a 45 degrees through a 2 x 10, I cut a straighter line cutting freehand with this saw then with a "homeowner" quality level saw and a straight edge. The reason is the even power. You can get into a very smooth rhythm of feed rate based on the saw's power. It's worth every penny.

I already own a Skil HD77, and love it very much. I was always intrigued by the lighter Mag 77, and the 2#'s weight savings. I was recently thinking of getting the little Porter Cable wormdrive trim saw that Norm Abrams uses on The New Yankee Workshop, but at a cost of about $220, it was too steep, for a small trim saw. So I went ahead and got a second Skilsaw, this time I got the HD77M-22 for about $183, minus $25 for spending $199, for a net cost of $158 (about $60 less than the Porter Cable trim saw). I find it a little hard to believe, that the Skil HD77M-22, is so much cheaper than the PC trim saw, and it's a much more versital saw. Mine will be used mostly for breaking down hardwood plywood, to be squared up on my tablesaw, for cabinets, bookcases and such. I suspect that it could be called into duty to help build a shed, or a deck for family members. Having a second saw may be a little extravigant, but I had some B-Day and recycling money to spend, so why not? It will relieve me from having to change saw blades, from 24T to 40T for the plywood. The Skil wormdrive saws, are the best circular saws made, period. If your are remotely thinking of getting one, don't hesitate. They are the saw choice of professionals. Keep the oil changed, use sharp blades, and it could end up being one of the best investments of your lifetime.

I just purchased the Mag 77M and have used it only a few times, but it is the best saw I ever owned. My son in law has built a house and done many remodels with his and recomended it when my Black and Decker failed.The new Mag base is lighter than previous Skill's and at 71 years old I prefer the lighter weight. I also have the 5 1/2 inch Skill and love it for small stuff.

I bought the Mag-77 as a Christmas gift for our son, who is the Summa Cum Laude graduate from Auburn University's Building Science program this year. We also got him a fine Swiss pocket watch. The two go together in the craftsmanship, utility, ruggedness, and the ability to last a lifetime. The toughness of the Mag-77, stump-pulling motor, precision and light weight will be treasured for a generation.