I've just started trapping this year. Nothing to report other than trash catches. Had 2 of my #3 Victor DLS stolen already. When I bought my traps the fella I bought them from had everything from #0 to #4s. I really like the #3s and want to buy a few more.

A local guy has Victor #3 double long springs for $7-$9/ea. Seems like a good buy to me. Looking in supply catalogs I also see the Sleepy Creek #3s and Bridger #4 long springs which appear comparable. The Victors will require new #3 machine chain, swivels, etc.

I'm leaning toward the Victors as I really like the ones I have. But I just wondered if the Sleepy Creeks or the Bridgers were worth the extra $10/trap in quality.

Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks.

There's nothing wrong with the victors. Just make sure the springs are in good shape.

It depends what are they being used for?

Ahh, I forgot to mention that! Bobcats and coyotes mostly with an occasional fox as a possible.

Forgive me if this sounds stupid. How is the best way to test springs to see if they need replaced?

I still think the victors will be just fine. A #3 is plenty for the mentioned animals if the springs are in good shape. You don't necessarily need the #4 for a coyote or cat. The old boy I hang around laghs at me for using #3's. He used #2's and caught everything he set for.

If you have a good one in your possesion you can compare them by feel. It's pretty easy for me to find a weak spring, but I have squeezed quite a few. If you can get your hands on a new one and try it then you should be able to tell if the others are bad.

Victor #3. Although I prefer coil over long.

You can hold ANY coyote in a #11. But the problem is getting his foot in it. I like #3 Sleepy Creeks for Coyotes and cats.

[ Newt? Holy, my impression of you as a "snare man only" has now been destroyed. Are you switching over to the dark side? LOL

the #3 sleepy creek have a better pan setup than the victor and there center chained with great swivels.
good modern longspring.
I have a couple of old victors for sale on my web site. I can put chains on them

Victor and Blake & Lamb #3 dls's are excellent traps for coyote and fox. I modify all of mine with round rod base plate, center swiveled machine chain, in line swivels and laminated jaws. Stock jaws can be a little hard on fox, but the laminations help a lot. If you can compress the springs without having to brace the bottom of the trap against something than the springs are to weak. At least thats how it is for me. When in doubt replace the springs.

I use the best tool for the job. Depending on state laws.

quote=Denny Emery]Have you ever tried the "helper" springs? [/quote
.
No, I never wore out a DLS. I dont think you can were out a DLS in a life time. If you take care of them.

If the used dbls #3's are the Victor 3-N I have caught a couple thousand coyotes and cats with those and never had a problem of any sorts.

if you look close most dealers state the helper work on traps up two a #2.

heres a link to the people making in my opinion the best double longspring traps today how ever I dont own a one of them. there kinda spendy. http://www.livestockprotection.net/traps01.htm
jayih

Denny,

Where'd ya get those new pans? Are they both oversized and adjustable for tension?

Also, on long springs, I have some Triumphs that the trap chain were center mounted. The Victors are mounted with a type of D-ring on the long spring. Is there a reason one is better than the other? Seems when I'm anchoring to trees (tying off with wire) the Victors are much handier as the chain isn't in the way when I'm trying to bed the trap.

Of course, this is the first year trapping too, so maybe I'm just not doing it right! Had my first dirt hole visited last night. The ol' 'yote stepped right into the dirt hole. Unfortuneatly with a mix of snow, rain, and freezing temps the trap was froze up in the bed. Reckon I'll start grabbing some hay from buddies of mine with horse barns to use for trap cover instead of dirt while the temps and precipitation continue.

I acquired one of their traps last year, it's an amazing piece of equipment. You are right, pretty spendy for one trap though.

Denny, I just picked up a couple dozen used Victor #3 DLS. If I may ask, where did you get that pan setup, it looks nice!

Any of you gentlemen know where I could find some replacement jaws for my victor no 3 double long spring traps? Also, would anyone know if the sleepy Creek jaws would substitute for the victor jaws?
3nn

The sleepy creek jaws fit, I just put one on a victor #3 a few weeks ago. The conibear setting tool makes it easy to remove/replace the jaws.

I did a turotial on this subject a couple years ago. sleepy creek spring will work on victors.
replacing the jaws on a Victor Longspring