Which do you think would be best for quilting? The 301 feed dogs drop and the 401 has a cover plate. Does anyone have any experience with either of these machines?

I have a 401A that I use to piece quilts. I also own a Babylock Ellegante and still use the Singer 401 because it is in the basement with my longarm quilting machine. I have not tried it to free motion quilt. I have used the Babylock to free motion prior to getting the longarm.

I've used the 301 for piecing and free motion quilting - I love it. I have a 401 but it's out in the shop and just used for repairs etc - out there with the longarm...
The 301 runs faster which I like and I love the dropping feed dogs..
right now I'm piecing on a 319 (got the needles from allbrands.com) - I got lots of needles 'cause I figure the machine is no good without them and who knows how long they will continue to be available (the 206, 306 and 319 take the special needles).. I'm using the 319 because it has the other stitiches and I want them for applique...
and just because

Thanks for the information. I use a singer featherweight to piece and I'm looking for a bigger machine to quilt with. I like the look of both the 301 and 401. Decisions decisions. I think I'm on my way to becoming a sewing machine addict.