330 springs

[trkyslyr]

So, I bought a "lot" of used traps. One is a 330 that has junk springs. It has had the trigger and dog replaced so make is unknown. It is a 10X10 so not a Duke.

Question is, What springs would you go with to fix the trap? I'm thinking Duke springs are the best, but would they fit a 10x10? I'm thinking not since Dukes are 9" on the spring side.

Of the two makers I see parts for in fnt, oneida victor springs are $6.50 and bridger are $4.95. American vs Taiwan steel???

You old guys that have been at this a helluva lit longer than me, what would you go with and why?

I seem to remember somebody saying victor body grip springs were crappy.

[bigjohn]

Get ahold of Tom as he has replacement springs.

[ozarkmountainman]

I had some with me Saturday... Bridgers, and fine.

[trkyslyr]

Go with bridger springs then?

[ozarkmountainman]

I've been happy with them.

Victor springs are not "bad" but they did have a bad run of them years ago, so...

I have these old Duke 8X10's that I've had for years and they have very, very strong springs. It's a good enough trap that I just bought some more out of Nebraska. When we had to set the trap underwater these things were a life saver. Anyway, Bridger is fine.

[krank]

I wish all my 330's had weaker springs

[bigjohn]

It takes stronger springs to kill or hold otter than beaver. If I had an otter power out of a 330 I'd replace the springs.

[segsarge]

Otter are made of muscle and attitude. Never had one power out of a BG trap (that I know of). My 330's are Dukes and Victor's. Haven't bought any new ones in years. Was going to buy some new Bridger's but held up on it. I would think the Bridger springs would fit fine.

[krank]

I figgured the otter were the reason for a fast trap. I have way too many traps but am hurting on 330s. Reason is in the last two years I have lost a couple due to flood.(they didnt get unstaked but got buried)
I just got an FNT catalogue. In my opinion traps are expensive with #1 LS costing $6.95. I looked at 330's and the bridger is 10x10 and the duke is 8x10 (?) so it seemed a no brainer to get the Bridger if both are same price.

[segsarge]

I agree, new traps ARE expensive. The 220's are faster than a 330. I have are tough time using them though. Most of the otter I catch are incidentals at beaver sets. The full 10 x 10 is my choice if I purchase new steel. Most of my big traps are around 20 years old. Still in fair condition but going to either buy new and/or replace spring in a few years.

[krank]

I got a bunch of 160 (6x6) but not much good other than over kill muskrat traps.
I got a couple 280s that are good otter traps but I am not much on otters. Work in a pich for the right beaver set. Years ago I caught a bunch of otters and there was no season on them. I was beaver trapping.
I might buy a couple 330's. Really fires me up that a pile of them went for nothing at the sale barn. I waited around an hour for the new owner to load but he never showed up.

[segsarge]

Picked up a Duke 330 at work tonight. After my employee discount they cost me $19 each. Even though I'd rather have Bridger's, Don't think I can find new 330's cheaper.

[krank]

They used to be $15 at the feed store. He changed that price when he went to reorder.

[segsarge]

Dukes are the only brand Rural King carries. Right now all they have is a few 330's, 220's and a couple of 110's. Coilsprings are just 2 or 3 #2's and some #2 padded jaw. Nobody knows when resupply is coming in or what the price will be. Might pick up a couple more since they're sure to be higher when new stock arrives.

[krank]

They ought to make a 12 x 12 body grip with a single spring.