I'm considering purchasing some Bridger 120's. They appear to be a reasonably priced version of this trap. Does anyone have experience with them? If so, is the experience good or bad? How easy are the safeties to use?

Thanks,

Greg

My son bought a dozen about two years ago, against my advice. Hates them, and went back to "borrowing" some of my Belisles

The safeties are simple swing hooks, and trigger/dogs need tuning.
They are a very basic trap, but if you intend on fitting them with pedals, be prepared to spend time with a file, and sore fingers.

Dukes have larger spring eyes making them easier to set. They also have strong springs.

I have a couple Bridgers that came with a deal on Trap Shed years ago and do not like them due to the small spring eyes. Springs will get swapped for Duke springs.

I bought a dozen Bridger 120's and not a single one could be set without adjustment.

Thanks for the feedback! I'm getting the picture on the Bridgers.

Are the Belisles worth the extra money for a trap this size?

Oneida Victors appear to be a step down in cost from the Belisles; and, the Dukes are another step down in cost from the Oneida Victors. Any thoughts on these two brands?

Bear in mind, these traps will be set on private property; since, Georgia does not allow ROW trapping. And, we don't have as much public land as some states. So, the chance of theft, while present, may not be as likely as if I were setting bridges. Thus, the cost of the Belisles may be more tolerable; since, the chance of hanging on to them is greater.

The problem with the Belisles is that once you get them you'll be spoiled. I use Belisles for the most part but have some Dukes and old Victor's I use in questionable areas.

I have 120's and they are Dukes. I put pans on them to use for mink. They take some messing with them but I don't mind doing that its all a part of dealing with any equipment. The Dukes are reasonable and work for what I use them for.

I've got a bunch of Bridger 120 magnums, never had to adjust any to set out of I think four dozen. Since I bought them new it is hard to compare exactly, but I have some Duke, Northwoods and another brand that I bought used and Victors that I bought new as a kid, the Bridgers are stronger springed than any of the others. They also have short springs which makes them hard to set by hand (they get much easier to set the second year, but seem to still close just as fast and strong). As stated they have small spring eyes which makes a lot of setters not work on them. The safeties suck. I personally like a loose swinging hook safety like they have rather than the Belisle style (i've one of those, and it is easier to set but appears at least as strong as the Bridgers) so that I can squeeze the springs down, tilt the trap and let the safety swing into place and relax my grip on the spring. . . But two problems with the Bridger safeties, a) at least on all my traps they have one safety going each way, so once you set the trap at least one safety is going to fall off while you are placing it in position, no matter how you hold the trap, and b) they are long enough that with the safeties set the jaws are almost too far apart to grip with the thumb and fingers to squeeze together.

I think they are a good trap for the money, unlike some others have stated on here, but not as good as Belisle, Savageau, etc. You have to decide if the extra quality is worth the extra pinch to your pocketbook.

I will say I caught both thumbs in a new Bridger when placing it in a marten box, and they hit hard and have a lot of grip strength! Most painful trap I've been caught in!