I'm not trying to start a debate on duke and MB but nowhere in the archives I found anyone talk about how the duke has a 3/4" bigger jaw spread and @ $50 less per dozen it makes for a tough decision just sayin

I don’t believe the Duke has a larger jaw spread. I have both and like them both. I think the chain and swivels are better on the MB but if you are looking to save money the Dukes are fine.

MB has nicer chain/swivels. Dukes have a nicer pan. Murray’s had Dukes for $150/dozen. Hard to argue with that! I have quite a few K9 juniors that I don’t like as well as the Dukes

[quote=8117 Steve R]I don’t believe the Duke has a larger jaw spread. I have both and like them both. I think the chain and swivels are better on the MB but if you are looking to save money the Dukes are fine

I was wondering about the dimensions maybe it’s a misprint and it’s
5 1/2 outside not inside so then it would be the same as the MB. Murray’s and Fleming’s website say 5 1/2” inside jaw spread

I'm reading 4 3/4 " inside jaw spread on the mb550 and 5 1/2" inside jaw spread on the duke 550

I will call around and see what I can find out unless someone has one someone wants to measure one and post it

The MBs are Tanks

Just measured a Duke 550. Inside is 4 7/8". Outside is 5 5/8". And there is nothing wrong with the duke 550. Very strong, stout trap. Built like a tank. Have not had any issues with mine. And way cheaper than the other brand.

looks like the same size to me

Thanks for the info

What's the inside spread?

So the inside spread is not 5 1/2

They are both 4 7/8 inside

Just a Copy of the original

yep, if the pan was round it would be really hard to tell them apart

Duke must be measuring across the pan the other way to get that 5 1/2 inside jaw measurement. That's not good.

If I remember right, looking at mine, the MBs have more of a stamped offset, while the dukes are more of a lug offset. Anyone see any difference in lock up/leverage because of this?

Stating a 5 1/2 inside jaw spread falsely rubs me the wrong way.

5 1/2" outside is accurate. I don't know where you are seeing them advertised as 5 1/2" inside, but you need to take it up with that supplier as Duke does not claim that.

Lugs appear the same to me.

https://www.murrayslures.com › Du...
Duke 550 Pro Series Coil Spring Trap - Offset
The 550's off-set 5 1/2 inch inside jaw spread is perfect for catching or trapping fox, coyote or bobcat. **Trappers Should Check Their Local ...
inside jaw spread duke 550 traps from www.murrayslures.com
5.0
(1) · $14.95 · In stock

https://www.murrayslures.com/duke-animal-traps-s/139.htm

perfect timing !
ditto

Fleming Trap Supply
The Duke 550 Pro Series is a Coil Spring Trap with a Cast Jaw that is Offset. Trap comes factory night latched so no modifications are necessary. Trap features heavy duty #2 machine link chain that has a D ring and center swivel. The 550 Trap has a 5 1/2 inch inside jaw spread is perfect for catching or trapping fox, coyote or bobcat.

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You better boycott Murrays & Flemings for false advertising. You won't see that on Schmitts or Funke's that's why they get my business.

Another place.Just 3 places for example
The Duke Pro Series 550 OS features heavy cast steel jaws, stainless steel rod dog with step down PIT pan system, double base plate, center swiveled D-Ring with machine link chain & in-line swivel.

Designed for serious coyote trapping, this trap is built rock solid to withstand the toughest conditions out there.

Coil Spring Traps are foot-hold restraining devices used to catch and hold wild animals. This style of trap has been in use since the early part of the 20th century and is widely accepted as a cost effective and efficient tool for managing wildlife populations. Coil Spring Traps are manufactured of steel components and powered by a set of compact coil springs.


The Duke 550 Pro Series is an Offset Cast Jaw Coil Spring Trap and comes factory night latched. Once the pan clicks the travel has been eliminated from the trap trigger and it is ready to catch your target animal whether that be a coyote, fox or bobcat. The 550's off-set 5 1/2 inch inside jaw spread is perfect for catching or trapping fox, coyote or bobcat.

Pro Series 550 OS
MODEL: 0550
JAW SPREAD: 5.5”
TARGET: BOBCAT, COYOTE, FOX

It's not just Murrays.Its a bunch of them

It's not on Duke's website that way.

Duke needs to get ahold of all these places.

Duke needs to make original Traps ...in the USA

I think Duke just says 5-1/2 spread ..... doesn't specify IN on OUT.

I'm some happy I see all this as I was leaning towards buying a few dozen of the duke 550's instead of the mb 550's thinking the dukes had a 5 1/2 inch inside jaw spread.I would not have been a happy camper.I will just buy mb alphas now instead.

Gotta watch the laws closely too !
Some may specify inside, some out and some neither.
WV

WI

Something else I noticed.
Also depends on how, who measure the trap.
A Victor #3 round jaw for instance is not symmetrical like many are.
It is an oval, 3/4" out of round. You can measure that one 4 ways.
Like many unclear written rules,
they tell us here not to worry about those technicalities....... it up to the Game Warden's discretion.
That has bitten me before.

The swivels look cheap...scary cheap. Typical of a Duke.

I have a dozen of each trap. I’m brand new to trapping and I couldn’t decide on what to get so I just bought a dozen of each.

I think most people that hunt fish or trap are like minded when it comes to tools and “stuff”. We all appreciate quality and craftsmanship. Comparing the Dukes to MB550s, the obvious is the chain and swivels are not as heavy as the MBs. But the MBs are a little more refined and seem to function smoother out of the box. Like I said I’m a beginner but I do know my way around the tool box and the two brands are both great quality in fit, form and feel, the MBs are just a squeak nicer. Kinda like comparing two 3/8” drive ratchets. Snap on and maybe Proto or Williams of old. Both nice but one edges out the other ever so slightly in feel and fit. Hey even better a comparison is an old pre 2000 model 700 to anything in the last 30 years. The old 700s were and are just nicer.

No all I need is a coyote or three to step in one this fall.

You forgot to post the whole Reg when It comes to 51/2' jaw spread In WI.

We can use jaw spreads less then 5 1/2" during rat and muskrat and coon season.