Wondering how many out there use the older long springs on their lines. Stuff like old cast jaw traps, square riveted bases, etc. Using traps like that just gives me a sense of nostalgia I suppose. Many of those older long springs are still strong traps, and in many cases, a style of trap no longer made. An added bonus is, fewer trappers seem interested in using them, so they can be an inexpensive addition to a line.

My favorite older trap is the Victor 3N. I really like it with the PIT pan system installed on it, a crunch-proof added near the spring swivel, and I shorten the chain, unless cabling off to a clog or using a drag.

Recently, my attention has turned to the old Diamond #21's and #21 1/2's to use on the rat and mink line. I love the double jaw design of those little traps, and there's still plenty of users to be found at reasonable prices if you're looking.

I too like the nostalgia. Just classic and cool. I have several 3s and 4s. Im not a trap expert..some have cast jaws some dont. Some have square rivets. I find them easier to set.

I 've got a pile of them,probably my all time favorite is the No.4 modified.Thats laminated,base plated and offset with PIT pans.Love this trap in areas where incidentals like coon catches are minimal to non existant.Use quite a few No.3 sleepy creeks with no issues.I bought a bunch of No.3 Blake and Lambs that I'll use after their modify.I don't like the old longsprings out of the box.The pan set up is atrocious,jaws are too thin and sharp,and I like the chain swiveled off the bottom of the frame.These are the reasons I stayed away from them as predator traps but once I started modifying them they became a whole different animal.They bed like a dream up here in our sandy habitat.

We use lots of 3n and older vic longs

I use a lot of #2 longs and some #4 longs.
#2 longs have put a lot of different animals in the truck for us.
Most of mine were ones I bought used in 1980s and still serving us today OK.
Jim

don't laugh...but #2 longs still take a lot of coyotes for us each season...

I still use um, mostly the ones I started with when I was little, I like the jumps and #2 vics.
Colt

Back in the mid-eighties I got a hold of some Northwoods #2 dls and used them to trap about everything with fur.At every convention I look for these same brand of traps,take them home and modify them with the usual stuff.The adjustable pans are a real plus.Although the original dozen N.W.#2 dls are long gone these replacements will see some work in the 2018 season.

I like them too and have a few old Blake and Lambs that are still super strong. I like #44 DLS

i use 70-80 1 1/2's with the chain moved to the end opp. the spring for mink.flat out love em but i also like the old victor num.2 sq jaw coils.have about the same of them.

I use those 1 1/2 LS with a long chain for rats here. The weight helps to keep them down

I had a few B&L #44's, they were a little rough on me trying to set they were so stout. Same with the #3 Newhouse's.

I'm also a big 1 1/2 long fan for rats and mink, although I'm still trying for the mink in one. I ran several B&L's last season. Curious what advantage might exist with moving the chain "pcr"? I've bought traps rigged like that, but wasn't sure of the reasoning behind it.

Those older Victor #2 square jaw coils are an often over-looked trap that catches a lot of fur. Like using them at pocket sets on a drowner rig.

Yes, 3Ns for me also—use #2 BL also. All have Pits.

chain is moved for a better hold on incidental coon.

Ok. I guess I'm not seeing the advantage. Only caught a couple coons in 1.5 longs so far. Caught quite a few in #11 Sleepy Creeks, but they're center swiveled. I notice coons caught in the 3N's will have worked their foot over the side opposite the spring w/chain attachment. Just attributed that to the off-set. I'm sure there's some mechanical advantage idea behind moving the chain, I'm just not seeing it.

as the animal pulls away from the anchoring point,if the foot moves it goes toward the spring which is a way tighter grip than the old way where when they pull,it goes away from the spring and to the end of worst grip.

Makes perfect sense now. Thanks!

Besides the Diamond 1's and 1.5's, I like the older cast jaw 1.5 longs. The square rivet base and knowing that trap isn't made any more, is like continuing a tradition in a way.

It is nice to see guys getting the old traps out for exercise. With only those old traps, just how did they manage to catch anything? Ha.

I have some old #3 double long springs that I want to get back in the field. I would like to use them for coyotes because of nostalgia and a change of pace.

I need to file the dog and the pan to make a crisp trigger. What else do you recommend to beef up these traps? What about bending up the jaw tips instead of bubble welding them? I am a lousy welder so I would prefer to modify them without welding. What is the best method to base plate them? Of course I will replace the chain and add swivels.

Back when I was a kid, I made some double long spring traps with #1 and #1-1/2 parts. They worked ok, but didn’t look correct because they had the different jaw radius.

I have a few old Newhouse #4 and some others with teeth hanging by the cabin door. They make a great doorbell, just rattle the chain and I hear and come scrambling to see who I caught. Of course they are not set. But it seems appropriate as a year round trapper to have traps hanging beside the cabin door

i will cough up for a couple dozen choice 3N's for my canine line before long.

They're out there. I picked up about 2dz at our state rondy last weekend.