Every once in great while a pic
On the pics x2 calvin

Sold all my #3 in 2009 when after to many times where the mechanics of the trap failed and the loose jaw stuck in the open position and another high dollar western cat walked away.

MB 550's and loads of critters later and "snap"... "gotcha" every time each time a paw hits the pan gives the 550's the CLEAR edge. No comparison on results if you're skilled at showing animals where to step.

If I was in a high theft area though I don't know if I would want my 550s set there. I would rather have a bone stock cheaper victor, that will still hold coyotes, then a 550 set in a high theft area

Yep, my sediments exactly!

If your in a high theft area use two chain stakes, one straight down and one at a 45 degree angle. Theives are lazy and will give up trying to dig em up.

Trappergbus,

Smilin' as I'm reading your post. I like it! I can just see those scoundrels yanking and tugging and nothing to steal on your line! You and I think alike. The ol' Michigan born and breed trapper in me has done similar to what you describe many times and it's the way to set the line up on your terms so that you maximize the catch.

To the original poster.
Alex, don't buy into the 550 hype. There are better options for your situation. I know of at least one lynx that spent the night at the vets last season thanks to a 550. Not true of the other ones that I know that were caught in other traps. There's alot of shortcomings to the 550 that most people dont see or choose to ignore.

Coon Grease,

Your comments don't hold water as the 550 is the fastest selling predator trap on the market for a reason... it works. Fair balance is.. so do the Victors and the Montys but they need to be retooled to = the 550's. I've used them all and there's no way I'll ever set a #3 again as they misfire too often. Montys are not too bad but not good enough. I understand that folks don't want stuff stolen, and setting cheaper rigs in high theft areas is a solid plan in that case.

CG, You must have my name on your search criteria as each time I post, you disagree .

Sorry mark. Dont flatter yourself. I'm only arguing with you because you are wrong. And my opinion of the 550 is consistent. Its an overbuilt mid size trap. And has the same draw backs as other 1.75 traps. It is versatile and serviceable for alot of applications. But doesn't really excel at any aplication. Actually 550's are less valuable than standard 1.75 traps because although they are billed as a multi species trap, they aren't. Ever catch a mink or muskrat in a 550? Didn't think so, but piles of them each year are caught in comprable sized traps with effiecint pan tension adjustment. But Alex asked about coyote traps. As far as being a best seller, well I hope that isn't that new standard of quality or I guess Jakes, coyote cuffs, LPC long springs, and sterlings are all inferior to your beloved 550's. And let's not even mention all the fast selling, lures and baits that any on who has actually used knows are junk. Fox urine anybody? Lol

I'm still trying to figure out this thing you are saying about misfires?

Alex, here's another one to consider. Some number three dukes are pretty close to the 5 3/8 inside requirement. I cant remember who said it so I apologize to whoever's idea it is. But someone said that if you bend the jaws tips up on 3 duke you can decrease the inside spread and make them legal. I've even heard of giving the jaws a good smack with a hammer with the trap in the closed position. Yes they are that close to being legal. And remember the #3 victor or monty with regular jaws is too big but the offsets measure just right. My vote still goes to the Victor #3. Add one swivel and its legal. Even the montys need changed to a center swivel point.

Mark, I'm glad ya liked it, and maximizeing the catch is what its all about. I also 4 coil some in possible theft spots to make it even harder LOL. I do not pass up hot locations because of possible theft! My local warden loves it! And you are correct there is no equal to the 550 when all is realistaclly considered. No more trap mechanics, modification and mantanence, when they snap the animal is yours. They also take alot less waxed dirt to bed!!

Hope you are healing well, Gary

IMO trappers fault not the trap when it doesn't perform up to par ....

I've been reading along on this thread just like I have on many threads here lately. Been keeping my opinions to myself cause I don't want involved in any unnecessary arguments. I've used every cast jawed trap ever made. Seen No damage and seen beyond damage. Give me my $150 per dozen #3 Monty's stock right out of the box and I'll show you a pile of caught coyotes with minimal damage. Over and out.

Good post Andy !!!

andy when u say mongomery #3 are u talking about the new mongomery/victor makes the round jaws with dogless pan just wondering I seen them but never put my hands on them just seeing how they are good or bad thanks

CG, why the vendetta against 550s? I've used them for years, caught fox, coyote, and coon in them and have nothing but good things to say about them.

What's wrong with this? Every coyote I catch in one is held just like this one, never had a misfire, snapped in the bed, damage to the foot, or any problems out of them at all

I think his point is they aren't as versatile has other traps on the market

I've never used the 550's. I am gonna get some to try. My main concern with them right now is pan tension and grey fox.

With all I have heard about them from so many different people I just got to try them out.

Bob,

Good post and proof is in the pudding. Trappers using MBs by the fist full is a result of 6 years of word of mouth and that's not discounting other types of traps... it's just saying that predator trappers find these traps well suited for today's environment. I used Victor #3N (they were state issued) when I first started but I don't used them today and it is a VERY political world that all must think about. I've sat in a state senate hearing with Ingrid Newkirk crying on cue and showing traps up close and bloody and I tell ya it gets attention. Would I use a Victor #3N in today's farm lots.. NO! Would I ever use them... SURE, maybe in the Sand Hills with no domestics and such. It's one thing to talk about larger traps on private ground, behind locked gates, on high fence ground, etc. and another thing to use bigger on 80 acres where Ruddy's beagle blunders into it. We must think about these things as trappers! Not saying that one trap hurts more than another cause all traps can cause damage but smaller is a better "fit" for smaller animals that are not meant to be caught.

Coon Grease, I have NEVER told another TMan contributor that they are wrong sir. Wrong? There are no judges, juries, and executioners on here my friend and when someone makes a valid point in a valid way, glad to know you're able to decipher right from wrong. Priceless as usual.

Andy, have never used the #3 Montys but almost did the year the MB 550 and 650 came out. I respect your opinion as you would not use gear that didn't hold up day after day, sunup till sun down. Good to know. I have customers who love their Montys!

Trap preferences are individual in nature and can be regional or state/local specific. There's a reason for trap size regs and it'd be a great thing if there weren't as many regs passed down from on high in the future.

Mark

Andy showed me these last year and there an awesome trap for the money. Drill one hole out for center swivel and there even better. Never had a sprung trap that didn't have a critter last year. There the new dog less monty/vic.