First of all I use MB 550's for all my coyote sets. That said, a new trapper asked me about using #2 victors for coyotes. He inherited 2 doz from his uncle this summer and wants to get into trapping.
My opinion is that a #2 is on the small size but may be capable. What's your opinion on the # 2' Victors?

The victor #2 coil spring is the same jaw spread of a 550.

Well thanks my man!! Always considered the #2 Victor as a fox trap.
Never measured either one but thought the 550 was a little larger... DUH!

Depends on the spring strength.

We talking the newer professional series or the older square jaws?

Inside spread I bet the #2 is actually bigger.
I think the inside spread of the 550 is actually about the same as the bridger 1 1/2

They make a good mink trap,will catch coyotes in them but I'd say you'd loose 20-30% by biting the trap and bending them up.The new professional series are a much better trap than the older one's.

Had one coyote back foot catch in a pro series #2 Victor this past fall. Held it well. No issues. Trap set and fired well after the catch. Nothing bent.

Unless those Illinois coyotes are super bad those #2 Vics will do the job in most soil types. Snow? Im not sure about. Make sure good springs on em and good chain with a couple swivels. Anchor em good too.

Many on here would be impressed with the number of coyotes caught in 1.5s, 1.75s, and 2s.....all round jaw coils.

... I ran Vic 2 for a good while ... most baseplated ... had a few stock for throw downs... the stock base traps would have pulled jaws every now and then ... but they held most

the newer round jaw #2 yes, don't think the old square jaw will work too good

Thanks guys!!
I'm putting new springs on 'em for him tonight. Got a couple with loose pans so will wire weld those on and then boil and dye. These are the older square jawed traps - NOT the pro series but he's anxious to get going so we'll make do with what he has.
Appreciate all the good info!!

Modern Vic 2s are what I started with. The only thing I've had problems with is the dogs get chewed on an bent from time to time. They hold extremely well the way the levers raise so high. That being said they are not ideal coyote traps but will absolutely work

Years ago I had a few #2 Victors and had bought a few Northwoods #2's and compared the traps. The Victors never made it in the ground they were just built more lighter than the Northwoods.

Square jaw Vic 2s?????

NO!

Oh boy.... The first coyotes in my area I went after with #2 square jaw fox traps. They busted those traps all to pieces. I went out and bought the BMI 175 4 coiled traps and ran them for several years. A smaller trap will work if its built right

I used the old #2 sq jaws for several years caught several coyotes and lost some as well.
Since I bought the MB550 I only set them if I run out of 550sj.

Shawnee,
I have some I used the first year I trapped in Illinois. Base plated, center swiveled, 4 coiled. I use MB550's, and mostly #3 Victor dogless now. Only square jaw #2 I still use are old dogless Monty's that are also base plated and 4 coiled. They work ok in unfrozen ground situations with just dirt covering. Not as well with a screen and grass cover.

I have since removed the extra springs on some and use them for mink trapping.

Make sure the jaw ends are turned up or bubble welded to keep the jaws in. Maybe a better chain and extra swivels. I would keep the chain as short as possible.

One of the most under appreciated traps there is. Ask the famous fox trapper from the east. I know a live market trapper who has caught many many yotes in them. There may be better traps out there but the Vic #2 will get the job done and not break the bank. I do modify mine a bit. Dang Savell your yotes have an attitude problem.

Square 2s suck, round 2s are good...Victor's that is.