Boone all it is 3 strokes with a 3corner file.on the corner of shoulder on the dog right where the slope and the straight up and down meet.
No slop, no travel. And below jaw level no bubble
I do not know what to call it but if you file a trap at all for tension that's the place I put it.
And it's a one time deal for me.

I'm planning on purchasing some Bridger #2 dogless traps. I'm used to dog on traps when land trapping. Anyone have any advice or tips? Warnings?

I just might have to get some #3 dog less Montana's this year.
John you going to be at the FTA In WI?

I like this thread. I have used Monty dogless since they came on the market in the 70's. Also have dog on, but prefer dogless. Right now Montanas look just like old Montys, and Victor sells a Montgomery dogless with what appears to be the same pan setup. I am strongly considering buying a couple dozen #3 Victor style dogless because I'm leaning towards a round jaw trap. Anyone have up to date opinions on the Victor style dogless? I caught 4 yotes this year in a #3 Victor dog on that I bought at an auction last year. All 4 weren't going anywhere. Last one was -17°F, foot was frozen to the trap jaw.

The Montana #3 Offsets have a huge trash gap. They are offset with lugs welded to the jaws. Held every coyote that stepped on the pan. All were held just above the pad, not one toe hold..

You will like the victor Monty's if that what you choose I have ran them for 4years great trap round jaw has gained a lot of ground in my camp , anything with a old Monty dog less system is a keeper imo so only thing is round verses square your choice . Have fun

Do they come non offset? I will not buy a offset jawed trap.

Yes sir beav Montana 3s and Victor Monty's also come in a regular jaw. If wanted

I agree with red mt ...we think a lot alike. Lol

Beav- No, I won't be attending many conventions this year. But, I am hosting a get together in August that will appeal to guys that are in to coyotes and 'cats (Predator) trapping. Details will be released soon. I'm in the field 320+ days a year, and hate to get too far from home. 2 kids are graduating from college in May, and I want to do something with them before they head out into the world.

Boone, I'll bring new bolt cutters. You hold the chain, and I'll cut those off for you.

So as I get older and I'm losing hand and arm strength. It's not fun getting old.
So when I'm setting a dog on trap I have the help of the dog when pushing down on the dog to compress the jaw. Once I get to a certain point all I need Is one hand and my thumb. So If I go to dog less traps Is that going to give me any added problems when setting them?

It would be my suggestion that anyone who has used only dogged traps should go to a supplier or maybe a trapping friends house and try setting a dogless trap before making a major purchase. Another option is to buy one and play with it to see how you like it. In my opinion the dogless take more hand strength to set. I just got my first one to try out earlier today. I am sure there is a knack to setting it, I am just a dogged trap owner and have not had the experience with this trap. Not sure I like the pan nut on the base either, will it stop the trap from firing on frozen ground?

You know Beav it be tougher for you buddy in my thinking . I hold both jaws down setting a dog less trap.

I set a dogless with the free jaw facing away from me.

I use my palms to push the levers down.

With my palms on the levers, I reach in with my index finger and lift the pan. I dont put a hand on the jaws at all. Easier than a dog on trap IMO.

I bought a bunch of new 1.5 Dukes for rats once upon a time. After the second day, my thumb was ready to fall off from holding that dog down while setting those stinking things. Powerful little buggers when new.

Might have to get one to try. I guess I could use some setters one hand and a knee.

I can relate to those 1 1/2 Dukes. You would be cripple over night If you had to set 200 of those a day. LOL

Thanks for the replies.

One Hand Setters.

One Hand Setters work great, when you remember to bring them. I usually set with a hand on each lever with the free jaw facing me. As I push down on levers, I use my knee to push down on the jaw and hold while I engage the pan. Love my dogless and they're big pans.

I can attest to the setters. Just before christmass in an accident my right shoulder was literally torn off. After the last surgery a couple weeks ago of course I couldn't sit still and after a couple days I was in my shop staring at a new setter from Dave, which I had ordered for mb650's. First time I ever used one. My right side strapped to my body and only my hand sticking out I had no problem using them. Wow.
I am going to have a holster of sorts made to carry them on my belt. Psst Dave....

As to the dogless I am loving them. Yes reach from under to set the pan and done. I must say I am only interested in cat trapping and I get away with not being the worlds best trap bedder being my quarry is cats.

Osky

setters are great..just like anything else..we are creatures of habit..first time or two they seem clunky or clumsy..but after a day or two you will start to think why did't I use these sooner to make this so easy..trust me I am 65 and like most find out some simple things aren't simple anymore..you won't be sorry..

This is the kind of information that makes this site so great. I was setting the trap with loose jaw toward me. Creature of habit for sure...