Would duke #2 4x4 square jaw work for coyote? or are they too small?
says it has 5.75 jaw spread.
any info would be appreciated.

Many people around here swear by the Duke #2. Check your trapping regulations because you might need a offset, that is how it is here but i'm not sure in Missouri. I personally use MB-550 OS 2 coil. Amazing trap and have never missed a coyote on them. You get what you pay for.

Square #2 Dukes are ok. Nice in between (cost) are the Bridger #2 & 3's. I personally like the dogless version with offset jaws

I have 3 - bridger offset #3's I started with. They have been working really well. Looking at buying 6-12 more traps. I appreciate the info. I Don't want to buy junk. primarily targeting coyotes and bobcats. and some big coons. lol

I personally like the round jaws better than the square jaws. Nothing wrong with the dukes for coyotes ( and I run the 650s) No need to run the 4x4 unelss they are laminated, though...and actually I wouldn't. WAY too strong. For coyotes (and Dukes) I'd suggest the round jaw #3 instead.

I've used and liked the 1.75s if you have a jaw size restriction.

I took the helper springs off of mine as I found them too stout. They worked as good as the Bridgers I had as well.

I started with the #2 square jaw Duke.They have a couple short comings.I switched to #3 dukes that I laminated,base plated,and switched out to welded chain and put 4 coils on.They worked excellent.That being said I had as much in them as a higher quality trap.I'm am currently running MB 650's and K9 extremes.I can't say enough good about the Extremes they are hands down the best trap out there.I still have the #3 dukes and would not hesitate to use them if needed.

I'm a #2 round jaw duke guy.

I run Duke 1 3/4 and the Duke #2 round jaws.both sizes offset jaws and baseplated and I have absolutely no problems with them on the coyotes.the only issue is the time to tune all of them when new. I have tried alot of different traps over the last 43 years of trapping and I have other brands also but for the price of the Duke they work just fine.even caught a couple yotes in fox sets last year in Duke 1 1/2's baseplated and laminated with 1 3/4 springs in them and had no problems.bottom line,it's all in what you want and like my friend.good luck and have fun

I'm not bad mouthing Duke,but if your looking to buy more steel I'd take a look at Wolf Creeks line and compare them.

I use Duke #3’s all the time they work for me

I'm using the #2 Duke square jaws with the helper springs removed . Caught a bunch of coyotes In them and so far haven't had any pull outs. I'm not a advocate of center swiveling but so far the traps have preformed well.

Duke #3 here!!!! No complaints, have been using them for five years now......jk

U have a welder, so I modified the ones I have, including laminating the jaws. I like center servers traps and added a mg crunch mid chain

Why laminate the jaws?

WE caught 12 coyotes last year and 6 this year for the CWD study they were either caught In #2 Dukes or # 3 Dukes. All had good feet. I just don't see jaw lamination as any kind of a benefit.
Take a file or Dremel tool and remove the sharp edges on the factory jaws and you will be good to go.
I can tell you what traps not to use If you plan on releasing any critter.

I've used
Victor #2
MB550
Duke #2 square jaw
Duke #3
Duke #4
Bridger #2 dogless
And tying extreme juniors a coils this season
If I was being budget constrained and was not going to modify traps I would go with the Bridgers
If you willing to spend more you can't go wrong with the MB550
So far the canine extreme juniors have hit 3 coyotes this season happy with the results but I think they have some issues I'm trying to work on still (not going to complain yet as I just need to run them longer and see how winter goes)

If I had to use only one of the traps I've listed, at this poiit would be the MBs but I would four coil them

I have used duke 3 for a while now and like beav. said no need to mod. them they catch an hold everything ,an duke traps co. has done a lot for trapper's

I've got a few dukes and like using them in certain locations for coyotes. They are not very expensive and get the job done, but I do save my more top end coyotes traps for more secure ground and I use the dukes where I think I may encounter traffic from other area use folks.
I do trust the dukes and they hold coyotes. I've got 2s round jaw and some 3s.
But a loss doesn't sting as much over a stolen one as I would my modified bridgers or Monty's.
Jim

I buy cast or laminated because I stick my hand in my traps to see what the critter feels. Laminated is far more comfy to me. Just sayin.

What ever trips your trigger.
But do to a lack of circulation an animals foot loses all feeling with In minutes. And comparing our hand to a animals foot Is a bit of a stretch.