I just saw jk’s post and reminded me of a vid I did earlier in the week.
Just something to keep in mind….

Interesting. I run all Belisle but have never seen that. Have you found a solution to it?

Plus...their stamped ... sheet metal dogs are nothing to write

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It’s in FIC’s BTP’s that are taught in our courses, but that just went in one ear and out the other……lol. It’s pretty basic stuff that not too many know, kinda weird.
https://fur.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/M1088_Meilleures_pratiques-sept-2025_ANG_EPF.pdf

that can happen with any 330, put the triggers togeather and it wont happen.

I use Belisle traps also but the only time I've seen that was on the ones that I put circle triggers on. Had that happen on RBG's also but to be honest about it, I never payed much attention as to why.

Most of my 330s triggers are twisted, they last way longer that way too.

It’s happened to me every year, not often, but every year. So this season, after the third miss I dug into it a bit more. I just can’t believe that it happened on my first try on video! After some discussion, it’s in the way the trap is designed. They’ll work either way, we all know that. I use almost exclusively Belisle, but LDL magnum trap it happens too, because the double jaw makes it basically a one way trap. If you’re OK with the occasional miss, hammer down, but it’s certainly something I’ll remember next season with the way the $ of marten is looking right now.

There could be a difference but I don't know how much. Would they do that if you just used the springs to wedge the trap in place like in a Marten box?

Bottoming out the trap in the slots brought on a whole different discussion. Try it with a magnum trap by pulling the trigger with a string from the inside and watch it go flying out…… surprising amount of energy stored in them. Bottoming out with narrow slots has resulted in jammed traps, wide slots no issue but then the trap isn’t as solid in the box. A lot of little things come into play, which is why we see some real weird stuff on the line…..lol

I've had it happen with Bridger 120s, but I think the solid part that the trigger wires come out of isn't quite as long, and they still hold marten just fine. I actually prefer the old style conibears that the jaws don't close as tight, they still catch animals fine, but if I was to catch my fingers in them, they are a lot easier to get out of.

I use circle triggers formed into a 5 inch circle with the ends zip tied together with the mini zip ties. Never had that problem.

But circle triggers are a whole other topic. I have had nothing but fantastic performance from circles, but they take time to install and can be a pain reforming once the trap has fired and the animal has deformed the shape.

I have caught two muskrats in 12x16s using a circle trigger. Got witnesses too. LOL!!!!

Just a suggestion from experience.

I’ve always liked the circle idea. Wonder if a dab of solder would hold a strand of thin 24 or 22g snare wire. More stuff to fool around with this summer. It’s like the meme I saw the other day. The end of trapping season doesn’t mean it’s over by a long shot…..lol.

For the hassle I would buy them prefab. But like your meme says, it would definitely give you something to do off season.

The problem I see with the solder is reforming the circle after catch. With two sides it would be very easy to form one side at a time and then reattach them. I carry a ziplock back of the mini zip ties and that makes it very easy. The prefab circle trigger with a 5 inch circle gives you enough overlap to securely hold the circle in shape with zip ties. About 2 inches.

I can't remember if the clamp for the trigger is stamped, bolted or what but another consideration is if it is not, you will have to go buy the hardware also. The circle triggers prefab come with all the hardware.

I noticed you also set for short travel of the trigger. Excellent!!! If more people would consider mods on a coni the same as they consider mods on coil springs, their catch percentage would increase. I have seen travel so bad on all traps, belisle included, that I don't see how it could have caught an animal. I have literally seen the trigger on a stock belisle have 5 inches of travel. I aim for 1-2 inches. Adjusting travel increases secondary catches and makes the trap more humane. I can tell anyone that otters, mink and rats love to "play" with circles.

And belisle dogs are my choice for dogs. The smooth wrap versus stamped with a hole drilled in them prevents skin/fur damage on the center back shoulders.

I can talk all about coni mods. I am a big advocate of making a quality trap into an excellent trap.

Thanks to T4E for making this video that explains what’s going on……