You might be right canebrake but seems like the bridger#3 offset has quite a gap.

I have offsets for coyote/canine traps and standard for others. I like the higher lever on a catch with the offsets on coyotes. I do not know for a fact that it makes a difference but the science of it makes it logical to me anyways. I do notice more damage on non target animals like coon though in those sets. The ability to move the paw or leg back and forth with the jaws fully locked seems to cause damage on front foot catches on coons. I don't really like that part of them. With lamination though that would eliminate that. I may laminate some and see what i think.

I have had good luck with several different traps with offsets.I especially like the lockup of the MB550.The 650 isn't bad either.If I were getting toe catches,I would be doing some trouble shooting.I have yet to get anything but above pad catches with these traps and zero pullouts.

Talking to a friend the other day and he mentioned that a trapper can make about any trap work if he gets used to it and learn it's characteristics and how to work with them.Use what suits your way of doing things.I agree with him,100%.

me to ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Yes sir, the animals foot is supposed to hold the offset open. That offset allows the side of the jaws to close further though and that allows the spring lever to come up higher, and the mechanical advantage holds the foot tighter. The wing nuts writing trap laws that require offsets are of the impression they hold less tight. That was never the purpose.

when i have a pullout with a 3 size trap and an offset its a front foot on a coon most of the time. which im fine with. fox coyotes and cats are not going anyplace

Offset traps are fully closed when animal is captured, like a hand cuff. Escape is not really an issue with proper pan tension. A traditional trap without offset can't close all the way cause there's a foot in there. More likely to find a toenail and/or pad in there with animal gone.

look under the lever. you can see the jaws are not touching. close but not quite. thats an original bridger before mtp bought them out and it is offset

pan tension has nothing to do with anything unless you have to much or so little the trap wont stay set. what you want is a fast closing trap.

Thanks Backbreaker
I knew there was something I was missing. I just need bigger offsets on my coyote traps. How big of offsets do u guys run on coyote traps for full closure on coyotes but not have them pull out. My factory offsets
don't seem to have enough clearance.

offset

I had 2 pullouts today. Both #3 Bridger offsets laminated. Couldn't make out what it was. Tore up area really good. My guess and hope is just a coon

What you want is the trap going off all at once. Speed is probably close to the same on all bigger traps. Your cats paw is close to the pan because the pan give way all at once, not because of speed. It's almost on the pan.

[quote=Taximan]If I were getting toe catches,I would be doing some trouble shooting.I have yet to get anything but above pad catches with these traps and zero pullouts.

Great traps, I use regular jaw and get the same results but anyone with a hard crust of snow overnight will eventually experience an occasional toe catch. Regular jaw theyre waiting for you in them traps. Offset not so much but just my opinion through my experiences.

I use MB 550s. The only spot on the jaw that isn't offset is the 2 jobs on each has. If a good or small stone were to get in my trap for one thing I should have paid more attention and for the other it will close as far or farther than any closed jaw trap. I read what he said also and I respectfully disagree. I am not trying to change anyone's mind, just giving my opinion. I have MB 450 fox traps that are closed jaw. Only a dozen to try them. I had a pea sized stone get caught in one this fall and the fox was gone when I got there. I learned a lesson on that one and will never assume sand traps are free of stones and will use my sitter in the future.