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Bridger #2 Options #8634160
07/06/26 10:37 PM
07/06/26 10:37 PM
Joined: Jan 2025
IL
E
Eswets Offline OP
trapper
Eswets  Offline OP
trapper
E

Joined: Jan 2025
IL
Looking to add a few more traps to the collection this year. I currently have 6 Bridger #2 dogless 2 coil offset. I want to keep with that style, I really like the dogless, easy to set and not much fuss. I've noticed the legs get tore up pretty good and was looking at the laminated ones. I guess the questions are, 1. will the laminated/modified traps not tear up the legs as much? (want to do some paws on fur this year) 2. do I spend the extra money on 4 coil also? 3. Do i get a mix of them for different sets? My trap lines are small. Last year only set 6 for coyote and fox. This year I have 2 locations I'm trapping. First location is the same as last year and will set about 12. Other location will be a ways away so cant have both lines out at the same time and will be weekend only with about 6 there.

Re: Bridger #2 Options [Re: Eswets] #8634219
07/07/26 06:22 AM
07/07/26 06:22 AM
Joined: Dec 2006
Central Susquehanna Valley
H
Hern Offline
trapper
Hern  Offline
trapper
H

Joined: Dec 2006
Central Susquehanna Valley
I suggest staying with same brand of trap. By that, you are familiar with that style, know how they work, know how to tune up and muscle memory in setting. #2 will do for Fox/Coyote catches.
Laminating jaw may help with your problem. Check jaw edges on your six traps, they may have sharp edges that need soften.
*You didn't mention how long is your trap chain or how many swivels in trap chain or how you are anchoring.

Re: Bridger #2 Options [Re: Eswets] #8634380
07/07/26 01:28 PM
07/07/26 01:28 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Idaho
KatKrazy Offline
trapper
KatKrazy  Offline
trapper

Joined: Nov 2009
Idaho
I am running mostly Bridger #2s these days, half dog-on, half dogless......all offset jaws. Great traps.
I run a short chain with 3 swivels. Total chain length about 12"-14". I did notice slight damage on about 10% of catches last season for whatever reason. Nothing crazy but I added round rod laminations to all my Bridger #2s for next season.

All of mine are also 4-coiled. This isn't necessarily for holding power (although certainly a byproduct). I think my objective when I decided to add the extra coils was to help the trap come up out of frozen ground and now, with the little bit of added weight from the laminations, the extra coils could perhaps have a third added benefit.


"Reckon I'm right popular."



ITA

Re: Bridger #2 Options [Re: Eswets] #8634399
07/07/26 02:45 PM
07/07/26 02:45 PM
Joined: Apr 2017
Nova Scotia, Canada
scotiantrapper Offline
trapper
scotiantrapper  Offline
trapper

Joined: Apr 2017
Nova Scotia, Canada
The Bridger 2, is about all I use now. I run the Canadian jaw version, which has under and upper laminations. I haven't saw any foot damage since switching over to them. I just picked up a dozen of them in dogless too. Our coyotes run large, they average around 40-45 pounds and they're hard on gear. I have even had one go over 60lb a couple years ago. Great trap is all I can say, and I'm happy with them for fox as well. Another trap I just invested in is the MB550 rubber jaw.


Director - Trapper's Association of Nova Scotia
Re: Bridger #2 Options [Re: Eswets] #8634418
07/07/26 03:23 PM
07/07/26 03:23 PM
Joined: Oct 2017
perry co.Pa
wetdog Offline
trapper
wetdog  Offline
trapper

Joined: Oct 2017
perry co.Pa
4 coiled traps bed better IMO

Re: Bridger #2 Options [Re: Eswets] #8636527
6 hours ago
6 hours ago
Joined: Jan 2016
Pennsylvania
P
patrapper1989 Offline
trapper
patrapper1989  Offline
trapper
P

Joined: Jan 2016
Pennsylvania
I run a lot of bridger 2 dogless on my fox/coyote/cat line. I've noticed the same thing on foxes, the offset gap is too big at least for fox. I took the offset gap from 1/4" to 1/8" and it fixed the problem. I just ripped down an 1/8 strip of 2x material and grind down the 4 contact points on the jaws evenly until that 1/8" shim is snug when the jaws are closed. After the first few you'll get the knack for it and doesn't take long at all. I've tried laminated and it helps but you'll still get some damage

Re: Bridger #2 Options [Re: Eswets] #8636543
5 hours ago
5 hours ago
Joined: Aug 2013
Louisville, Nebraska
jabNE Offline
trapper
jabNE  Offline
trapper

Joined: Aug 2013
Louisville, Nebraska
I’m pretty much down to Bridger #2s here too. I have a few 3s but just about all Bridger 2s for predator work. Moved all of my #2 longs and 1.75 coils to coon work. I do have a few Monty #2 round jaws and I like those but mighty hard to find any more of them so they only get used on my most private ground.
My #2 bridgers are a mix of dog on and dogless. They both work equally well for me. I run short chains with 3 swivels too like KatKrazy.
Jim


Money cannot buy you happiness, but it can buy you a trapping license and that's pretty close.
Re: Bridger #2 Options [Re: Eswets] #8636657
1 hour ago
1 hour ago
Joined: Dec 2006
Maine
S
shorthair Offline
trapper
shorthair  Offline
trapper
S

Joined: Dec 2006
Maine
#2 bridger dog less or dog on rock. A great value compared to mb550 or duke 550.


"My biggest worry is that my wife (when I'm dead) will sell my traps for what I said I paid for them."
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