I love my 401A a little more than my 301A because I can use different optional stitches and SID.
With the 301A it's mainly used for FMQ.

Either price sounds good. I have a FW and have used it many times to make snowmobile seat covers. That means that it had to sew through many layers of vinyl, no problems. They are work horses, but then again, any of the old Singers are. It's just a matter of which you really want. You will find many 301's, but the FW aren't that easy to come by.

I would buy them both!

I have both and use both sometimes in the same quilt. They sit side by side. It would depend on how you will be using the machine. I have the carring case for both, but the FW is the one I take bc of the weight when I take a class.

Is a 301 a slant needle or straight needle machine?

And if it's a slant needle, how does it compare to a 404?

You will love the 301. I have a black one and love it. And, Charlee is right...the 301 only zigzags with a special attachment, and it is the attachment that moves the fabric, not the needle moving right/left.

The 301 is a slant needle machine.

You can buy a SID foot for the 301 also...

Would anyone be interested in a trade.. i have a featherweigt and would possibly be intested in a trade off. Is this the wrong place to post such a request

I've got a zig zagger attachment for my featherweight. It's really cool to watch the material move back and forth. I have to stop reading about sewing machines! You all make me want to try out each and every one (and possibly bring home a few more than I need - well, more than I need according to my DH.)