Re: 550, closed or offset
[Re: k snow]
#8024131
12/18/23 05:01 PM
12/18/23 05:01 PM
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,023 Wisconsin
8117 Steve R
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,023
Wisconsin
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I have no where near the experience as Swamp Wolf nor have I had to consider damage for live markets. But in my experience for fur trapping the differences between closed and open is insignificant compared to differences in swiveling and use or non use of shock springs. Three or four swivels (6 or 8 j hooks) and shock springs are easier on feet. And a 24 hour check.
Steve WTA NRA
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Re: 550, closed or offset
[Re: k snow]
#8024135
12/18/23 05:09 PM
12/18/23 05:09 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,884 Wisconsin
The Beav
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,884
Wisconsin
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10" of chain with 3 swivels dosen't let the critter get much of running start. So you have minimum foot damage. I don't see where a shock spring makes any difference In this situation.
The forum Know It All according to Muskrat
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Re: 550, closed or offset
[Re: k snow]
#8024144
12/18/23 05:16 PM
12/18/23 05:16 PM
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,023 Wisconsin
8117 Steve R
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,023
Wisconsin
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I think the foot has less tendancy to slide when the critter jumps if the spring absorbs the shock. Having said that, I only have them on half my traps. I also think a wolf can pull out easier if there is NO shock spring. Just my observations.
Steve WTA NRA
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Re: 550, closed or offset
[Re: k snow]
#8024146
12/18/23 05:18 PM
12/18/23 05:18 PM
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Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,740 Wisconsin
Scott__aR
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,740
Wisconsin
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Been getting a little more serious about canine trapping. I am running a mix of modified Duke 1.75's, 2's and MB 550's. All closed jaw. The dukes are out side laminated. I'm noticing the 550s are a little rough on feet, at times. Would offset jaws help with this? The traps have the stock chain, plus a swivel, 10 more inches of chain and a swivel at the double stake attachment. Mainly targeting coyotes, with the occasional fox. I've read that coon can pull out of the offsets, not too concerned with that, in today's market, but may weigh into my decision on what to buy more of.
Any input is appreciated. You didn't say whether the 550s were 2 or 4 coiled ... You don't need 4 coils to hold coyotes with a 550. But you may want 4 coils if your coming up thru frozen cover. Offset jaws are not the best choice for clamping on to tapered feet; but coyotes don't have tapered feet. Offset jaws will allow higher levers which generally means a better lockup based on lever/jaw geometry. Closed jaws will actually have slightly more force with the lower level position. As an all purpose trap I would go with a closed jaw trap. All my canine traps are set up having a swivel at the center d-ring, enough chain to add a second swivel just outside of the frame (3-4 links > cut the standard supplied chain in half), attached the other half of chain and supplied swivel to the second swivel, then add whatever termination desired: shock spring, extension, or/and anchor hardware. Multiple swivels near the trap (3 or more) reduce foot damage better than jaw type in my opinion.
Megapredator ... top of the food chain! Member of WTA Member of MTPCA Member of NTA
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Re: 550, closed or offset
[Re: k snow]
#8024153
12/18/23 05:28 PM
12/18/23 05:28 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,077 East Central Wi.
coyote addict
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,077
East Central Wi.
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All my 550s are closed jaw, 3 swivels , set up for double staking. I had a dozen that were 4 coiled , didn't take long to take the 2 extra coils off. 4 coils unnecessary in our part of the country.. I have switched over to all 550 closed jaw traps for Coyote.
Member -W.T.A. N.T.A. - N.R. A. A Shotgun. A Rifle and a 4 Wheel Drive.. A Country Boy. Will Survive
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Re: 550, closed or offset
[Re: k snow]
#8024156
12/18/23 05:29 PM
12/18/23 05:29 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,884 Wisconsin
The Beav
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,884
Wisconsin
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I looked at a few shock springs and I don't see where a fox could close that spring. And I'm not sure a coyotes could when you have a short chain set up. You also have to consider the weight of the trap hanging on to that foot that will cause foot damage.
When i trapped for the live market I used 175 Dukes with Inside lams. There were no coyotes only reds and greys. I found that soft catch traps cut off circulation more then a closed jaw laminated trap. That rubber kind of warped around the whole foot. And that gave me more dead footed fox. Those fox were held by the buyer for awhile before being released In the pen.
The forum Know It All according to Muskrat
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Re: 550, closed or offset
[Re: Guss]
#8024216
12/18/23 06:40 PM
12/18/23 06:40 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,430 east central WI
k snow
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,430
east central WI
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I use close Jaws and don't worry about feet damage. I use the hides for craft work, having good feet is important to me.
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Re: 550, closed or offset
[Re: k snow]
#8024324
12/18/23 08:02 PM
12/18/23 08:02 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 623 Wisconsin
Lance Squires
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 623
Wisconsin
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I use the MB-550's wih the offset. Absolutely love them.
57 years trapping. It's who I am. Every day is still as exciting as it was when I was a kid but a little more work.
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Re: 550, closed or offset
[Re: k snow]
#8024344
12/18/23 08:17 PM
12/18/23 08:17 PM
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Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 534 Pennsylvania
Keystonekiller
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 534
Pennsylvania
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I've played with a few brand traps an offset or not the 550s they just pretty much bed themselves something to consider for k9 trapping all trapping for that matter
Last edited by Keystonekiller; 12/18/23 08:18 PM.
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Re: 550, closed or offset
[Re: Yes sir]
#8024872
12/19/23 09:36 AM
12/19/23 09:36 AM
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Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,589 Kentucky
ky_coyote_hunter
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,589
Kentucky
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^ Right here is the real answer....Never owned a OS trap, never will.
Member - FTA
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