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Post by trappincoyotes39 on Dec 21, 2012 13:04:26 GMT -6
Well after using sterlings for years and will always have a few and running Jakes in the west and down south I have done some real thinking and will be using #3 Bridgers from here on out. I have taken into account many things like: cost of traps, maintenence factors, ease of obtaining parts, repeatable results, weight and a few other factors to boot. I just got these done up with PIT pans and dogs and heavy #3 american chain and Conners shock springs, just have to braise on keystock on dogs and braise dog eye shut. There ready for western use or here in MO. I have caught a fair share of coyotes in these through the years and they work well at a price point that doesn't break the bank. So the only other thing would be if they could be made in the USA! The jaw spread and shape is good and the PIT pans I have always been a fan of. Again I have done alot of thinking on a coyote trap and many apsects "I like" have come down to these as my coyote trap of the future. I'm also looking at adding a larger diameter spring pin for added strength as well.   |
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Post by CoonDuke on Dec 21, 2012 16:08:11 GMT -6
"I have taken into account many things like: cost of traps, maintenence factors, ease of obtaining parts, repeatable results, weight and a few other factors to boot."
My thoughts to a "T"! That's why I hate the MB 550. Terribly hard to repair after a drive-over. I probably have to fix more traps than the majority of the rubes on the brown site that tout the 550 set each season.
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Post by musher on Dec 21, 2012 16:28:22 GMT -6
And here I am thinking about getting rid of my Bridgers. I lose stuff in them like fisher and fox.
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Post by seldom on Dec 21, 2012 17:50:51 GMT -6
Hey TC, what did you use for your "helper" springs?
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Post by Nick C on Dec 21, 2012 18:52:01 GMT -6
Wish I had a few hundred of these...... From the other day... *Click It*  |
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Post by trappincoyotes39 on Dec 21, 2012 20:22:06 GMT -6
The bridger springs at .95 a pair. One could use other I have used in the past the Milligan helper springs with good succes as well. Musher I have never had issues with lossing things in these or the other traps I have used. Loosing fox? What kind of pan tension are you running? I think the PIT pans take these to a new level and with the tall jaw design really hold well, same with my #2 bridgers modified the exact same way chain and all the rest, the only differance is size in the 2 traps. I have used these on 3 day checks and been very pleased with the results over the years. I love my sterlings but cost and maintenence higher than these with the PIT system. Nick I just never been a full dogless trap guy, even the sterling or Jake have a different system than does the Monty dogless. Big western coyote held firm in a modified Bridger 3  These where earlier ones prior to adding PIT pans I filed a good gun notch trigger in them, deep holds held well.  |
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Post by trappincoyotes39 on Dec 21, 2012 20:27:01 GMT -6
Again have been debating this for awhile in my head and wanting to get to one really good trap.
Most of the features I wanted are in this trap and if they weren't in them I just added them to it.
Again I have trapped coyotes in a fe different types and styles I just decided to get down to the "core" and run something that will be easy to maintain and work well.
Each to his own just thought I would share.
I will add a big believer in the JC Conner shock springs they have proven their worth to me.
Some are the newer type with the wider eye so no welding required. Unless your in wolf areas.
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Post by bluegrassman on Dec 21, 2012 21:08:29 GMT -6
me too Nick. me too. my montana's would hit the road. lol
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Post by terminator1 on Dec 21, 2012 21:25:06 GMT -6
The three 3 in round pans and stainless steel rod dogs make a fantastic set up
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Post by terminator1 on Dec 21, 2012 21:26:27 GMT -6
forgot dog bent 20 degrees
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Post by brendemihl77 on Dec 22, 2012 7:27:07 GMT -6
I use #3 modified bridgers with the stock pans. I'm interested to know about switching to those Paw I trip pans. Is it personal preference? What are the benefits? I don't own any traps with them so maybe I'm missing something?
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Post by trappincoyotes39 on Dec 22, 2012 7:42:05 GMT -6
Well first the Pit pans are two legged they are stronger than the standard pans for sure. Also they increase kill area over stock pans and they make even a bigger size for the Bridgers called a 9C pan . I have stuck with the standard pan myself. Next you have constant pan tension and proper pan tension with these over stock pans. The dogs can be had in round stock,flat stock or heavy gauge as well. I have a mix of them but like the flat as they ride over the laminations best I have found. You just beef them up with some small rod or sq key stock. No messing around with them and the built in snap latch is nice when they click there on a short trigger with pan tension. You can adjust pan tension by bending the dog but a little goes along ways. No filing needed and maintenance free when beefed up. They are made from heavy gauge metal and can take abuse better than a stock Bridger pan.
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Post by trappnman on Dec 22, 2012 7:54:11 GMT -6
my thoughts to a T as well- which is why I choose the montana #3
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Post by flathead40 on Dec 22, 2012 10:15:09 GMT -6
tman, how do you keep the loose jaw flat when you 4 coil them?
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Post by 17HMR on Dec 23, 2012 5:57:56 GMT -6
stick a screwdriver threw the top of the lever and tweak it down on each side a little towards the loose jaw... works every time
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Post by mostinterestingmanintheworld on Dec 23, 2012 11:15:49 GMT -6
Those shock springs might be fine for staked solid coyote traps ten feet from the truck in level country.
But they sure add weight to the pack for a mountain trapper. I'm done with four coils as well. They add weight, are not necessary for holding animals, are harder for dog owners to open, and in my case I dont need to worry about frozen ground due to exposed sets.
I do love the pit pains through.
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Post by trappincoyotes39 on Dec 24, 2012 12:21:27 GMT -6
No weight worries where I'm at Joel . These hills aren't level but not the high mountains either. PIT pans a good invention for sure!
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Post by trappnman on Dec 24, 2012 12:34:35 GMT -6
with pans come dogs- go dogless!
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Post by trappincoyotes39 on Dec 24, 2012 14:26:22 GMT -6
Why would I need to go dogless? A dog doesn't bother me as I keep them off of it.
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Post by calvin on Dec 24, 2012 17:24:30 GMT -6
Least you got the size correct. Never used the Bridger #3s. Didn't much care for the Bridger #2s. I/d suspect the #3s are a LOT better...I/d hope anyhow. I lost too many coyotes in the #2s,,even modded.
Yep the brown team totes the MB 550 like the holey grail. My experience with them is less than satisfactory.
I/ll stick with my 650s....but I wouldn't be against trying the Bridger #3s if I was looking for a new trap... but I/m not.
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