Montana #3 offset traps

[glyn]

I am new to this forum, I have a question. I trap cat in Arkansas and have been using 1.75 and #2 traps, I was thinking of trying the #3 modified offset laminated Montana trap. has any one out there used it on cat. I would appreciate any help. Thanks Greg Hearnsberger.

[Newt]

I don't see where you would have to modify a #3 Montana. And I don't like offset traps

[RdFx]

The offset trap jaws let the  lever come up higher  resulting in a better lock up on trap levers against jaws.  With the  non offset jaws the jaw levers arent as high.  But with using  four coils on some low lever traps in sizes  number 3 and above   provides a strong  holding trap.  Using regular jaws in    good manufactured traps in  1.75s  and short chains you  can hold cats and yotes all day .  Alot of trappers  are using the larger traps  ( nbr 3s) for the larger jaw spread   so you  dont have to be so specific when placing your trap  ( position) at the trap set. 
   Try a few of the Montanas  and use your other traps also and see for yourself...  Good Luck

[trappnman]

not the montanas, and perhaps I'd think on all lugged offset traps- the levers come up just as high on the offset as the non offset.

the only advantages I see in offsets are 2:

1) public perception

2) I was told, and paid close attention to this the past couple of years and agree- that offsets give you more success with a canine caught by a toe or two. The thought is that the offset lets the toe slide (under the joint in a trap), where a reg jaw can allow the toes to break, allowing escape and 1 toe left  in the trap.

Offsets do indeed cure this problem. 

I've never believed offsets are more "comfortable".

On coon- if using a bigger trap and taking coon as incidentals or in water sets (drowning) offsets are no problem because of the higher catch.  With smaller traps (ie 1.5) offsets will indeed give you a lot of missed coon.

[RdFx]

I  have to clarify my statement on the offset and reg jaw , lever issue.   When you  have the paw of a canine in   foothold with a  offset   the levers will come up further as the offset will  allow levers to come up higher with paw in  between jaws of offset trap versus the reg jaw. When  you have the offset  (open space in jaws)  accomodating the canines paw allowing jaws to   come together more versus the regular jaw with no open space to  take up some width of  canines paw width versus the regular jaws.   The offset jaws allow trap levers to come up farther on jaws to  lockup.  A good example of this is to see the Jake trap made by J.C. Conners.  When the springs are up high they   lock  versus some other brands of traps where when you push down on trap levers they  push down easily.
    I hope this makes sense.  I hope  gyln that you can go to some  trappers rondys  this summer and ask  questions on this .  Trappers now days are willing to explain and show you these   things.   Good luck in your  getting things sorted out. 

[trappnman]

Lee- both are the same in lugged offsets.

[Newt]

The New Montana's levers come up much higher .Than the old Monty's

[RdFx]

That is true Newt but no matter how high the levers come up an offset jaw will allow trap levers to ride higher with canines paw in between jaws than a non offset jaw.  Four coiling the old low lever montys   makes them a strong  canine holding trap.