Eric,I learned how to trap beaver using foothold traps.I started out using #3 Herters coilsprings,I caught a lot of beaver using them.The only trouble with a #3 is lack of jawspread,while these traps do a very good job holding beaver caught by the front foot,most large beaver that get a hind foot in them will not be there on your next check.While the added expense of the MB750 is something to be considered--consider this--you will hold every beaver that sets foot in it--front or hind foot catch.The added initial expense is quickly put back in your pocket.Always buy the best equipment you can,it may cast more but it will pay big dividends.
I have not set a foothold for beaver in 4 years,and in the last 10 years I have set maybe 3 or 4.I went to 330s several years ago and find it very hard to force myself to set a foothold.Others will argue that footholds,and snares are the way to go.I just find I am able to set up faster and where I choose,I use castor mounds about 95% of the time anytime I have open water during the fur season.
I also tell new trappers to use 330s if they are old enough to handle them.The main problems with new trappers using footholds,is trap placement.It seems that those having never used footholds for beaver end up with more sprung traps than catches,because of improper trap placement or by using traps that are to small.
330s have made a lot of poor beaver trappers into fair trappers,they have made a lot of fair trappers into good trappers .And last but not least--they have made the good beaver trapper into ,very good beaver trappers.
Well time to quit wit my 330 spiel--till next time. Tom
