Question, probably more rightly so Opinions then,,,,,,so on Center mount base plate chain location v/s side spring mount chain location.
All the old victor DLS's I ever had all were off the spring side for chain attachment. Never had a pull out or lost an animal. Sleepy creeks I have all center baseplate mounted. Just curious why? The sleepy creeks for beaver in soft mud makes no matter but if using a #3 DLS on dirt holes you have the extra little bit of chain to deal with and the D ring on the baseplate to get rock solid stable. We have hard ground here where I trap sometimes can be a pain to bed, especially with a baseplated coil spring.
I guess my question is why go to the baseplated mount for chain attachement? Is it some kind of mechanical advantage when a catch is trying to pull on that trap?

Thoughts and opinions please

I personally don't think it matters in the real world, but the theory is, a chain in the middle of a trap will keep the paw centered & possibly help with holding power. Like I said, I don't think it actually matters one way or the other. When it comes to Long springs I don't much like the chain in the center as it makes them more uncomfortable to set over your leg.

Better / free swiveling. If you catch a big otter I could see where it can be a help due to all of the rolling they do. I have mine configured with the bottom swivels. Theoretically it helps so the foot does not slide to the far end of the trap jaws.

Found out the hard way when drowning, don't use the spring attachment point. Unless it's real deep.

This is how I did my Bridger #4's, I like how they work.

I have always thought center swiveling is counter productive. The top center of the trap is where it is easiest to pull out of. Think about it, if your finger was in the trap, would you pull it towards the springs on the side where it gets tighter or to the top center where the jaws are farther apart and the springs are putting the least pressure on them? I don't buy that the feet slide less either if they get caught near the side and slide to middle is no different than if they get caught near the middle and slide to the side. They only move a very little and they don't slide back afterwards. I could buy a little better swiveling, maybe, but it can't be much. Now baseplates stiffening up the frames on weaker framed traps may help, but I'd use the off center base plates, they would be easier on your knee too if you're a guy who sets traps over your knee.

JC makes a couple good ones... https://www.jcconner.com/jaws.html#abase

In my opinion it's not that big of an advantage on long springs.

Appreciate the responses guys

I made all of my #2 and #3 longs into center mounts.
Put better chain on them, short lengths, mid-chain swivels booster springs, and double stake end swivels.
Held a lot of coyotes and coons in these with very few losses. Worked for me anyway.
Jim

Those aren't technically center swiveled. When the animal pulls their foot moves toward the spring not the center of the trap. A good thing IMO.