First Impressions of Minnesota Trapline Bridger Coil Trap 1005910
The Minnesota Trapline Bridger Coil Trap 1005910 isn’t just another piece of metal; it’s a critical tool for serious trappers targeting coyotes and bobcats. Manufactured by Minnesota Trapline, this trap boasts a modified dogless design, 4-coil power, and robust construction. These features immediately suggest a trap built for performance and reliability in demanding environments.
For years, I struggled with inconsistent trap performance, leading to lost animals and wasted time. I was searching for a trap that offered reliable closure, adjustable sensitivity, and the durability to withstand harsh conditions. The Minnesota Trapline Bridger Coil Trap 1005910 seemed to tick all the boxes.
The trap arrived well-packaged, showcasing its heavy-duty construction right out of the box. Its weight was substantial, indicating robust materials, and the modified dogless design was a welcome change from traditional traps with their fiddly dog mechanisms. The overall build quality felt impressive, instilling confidence in its ability to handle the rigors of the field.
Compared to similar traps from other brands like Duke or Victor, the Bridger stood out due to its heavier lamination and adjustable pan tension. These features, crucial for fine-tuning trap sensitivity and ensuring a secure hold, were absent in the cheaper alternatives. I chose the Minnesota Trapline Bridger Coil Trap 1005910 for its superior construction and enhanced adjustability.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The trap appeared well-made and thoughtfully designed, but the true test would come in the field. I was excited to see if it lived up to its potential and solved the consistency issues I had been experiencing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Minnesota Trapline Bridger Coil Trap 1005910 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test took place on a coyote trapping line in the high desert of Nevada. The landscape was a mix of rocky terrain and sparse vegetation, perfect for testing the trap’s anchoring and concealment capabilities. I faced challenges that included uneven ground and fluctuating temperatures.
The trap performed admirably, even under challenging circumstances. Its 4-coil power ensured rapid closure, and the adjustable pan tension allowed me to fine-tune the sensitivity to minimize false triggers from small rodents or wind. There were no issues with deployment, and the trap sat securely in its bed.
The only minor issue was that the initial pan tension setting was higher than I preferred, requiring some on-site adjustment. Once dialed in, the trap performed flawlessly. It demonstrated its effectiveness with a clean catch on the first night.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use across multiple trapping seasons, the Minnesota Trapline Bridger Coil Trap 1005910 has proven to be remarkably durable. Despite exposure to rain, snow, and extreme temperature swings, there’s been minimal rust or degradation of the components. The trap’s robust construction has really shown its worth.
The trap’s durability is enhanced by the lamination and heavy-duty swivels. These features have prevented any failures or breakages even after repeated use and exposure to powerful animals. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication to keep the mechanism running smoothly.
Compared to my previous experiences with less robust traps, the Bridger is a significant upgrade. It consistently outperforms older models in terms of both reliability and humane capture. I found that it reduced the occurrence of sprung traps without catches and has improved my overall trapping success.
Breaking Down the Features of Minnesota Trapline Bridger Coil Trap 1005910
Specifications
- The Minnesota Trapline Bridger Coil Trap 1005910 is designed for target species including coyotes and bobcats. This trap is ideal for trappers pursuing these specific animals.
- It has an inside jaw spread of 6 1/16″ and an outside jaw spread of 6 3/4″ (top to bottom), 6 1/8″ (lever to lever). These dimensions ensure effective and humane capture, providing ample holding area.
- The pan measures 2 1/4″ x 3 5/8″. Its size is optimized for foot placement and reliable triggering.
- It features a 10″ of #3 Chain (12 total links) chain and two heavy-duty swivels (one off baseplate & one end of chain). This setup allows for maximum animal movement without compromising the trap’s anchoring.
- The total chain length, including the swivel, is 13 1/4″. This length offers the ideal balance of freedom and restraint.
- It weighs 2.70 pounds, providing a sturdy and reliable trapping device. This weight ensures stability and effective animal restraint.
- The trap utilizes a 4-coil configuration with offset modified jaws. This configuration is designed for both a fast response and reduced foot damage to animals.
- Lamination with 3/16″ round rod and heavy swivels offer enhanced durability. These features add strength to withstand the rigors of trapping.
- Fully adjustable pan tension with an audible click lock allows precise sensitivity settings. This adjustability helps prevent unwanted catches.
- A step-down night latch incorporated into the pan prevents the trap from firing prematurely. This latch ensures the trap will only be triggered by sufficient weight on the pan.
Performance & Functionality
The Minnesota Trapline Bridger Coil Trap 1005910 excels in its primary function: reliably capturing coyotes and bobcats. Its powerful four-coil spring mechanism ensures rapid and secure jaw closure, minimizing the chance of an animal escaping. The adjustable pan tension is a critical feature, allowing trappers to fine-tune the sensitivity based on target animal size and environmental conditions.
A key strength is its consistent performance across varied terrains and weather conditions. However, the factory pan tension can be a bit stiff, requiring some initial adjustment for optimal sensitivity. It generally exceeds expectations thanks to the robust design and adjustability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bridger trap features a solid, all-metal construction that inspires confidence in its longevity. At 2.70 pounds, it strikes a good balance between portability and stability. The trap’s dogless design simplifies the setting process compared to traditional dog-on traps.
The trap is generally user-friendly, though adjusting the pan tension requires some initial familiarization. The audible click lock is a helpful feature, providing clear feedback on tension settings. The modified jaws also reduce potential for injury.
Durability & Maintenance
Built with heavy-duty materials and robust welding, the Minnesota Trapline Bridger Coil Trap 1005910 is designed to withstand years of use. The lamination on the jaws provides added strength and resistance to bending or breaking. The high-quality chain and swivels further contribute to its durability.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a wire brush and occasional lubrication of the moving parts are sufficient to keep the trap in optimal condition. The trap is built to withstand the elements.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Minnesota Trapline Bridger Coil Trap 1005910 itself doesn’t come with many accessories, focusing instead on core performance. However, the trap is readily compatible with a range of aftermarket accessories. These can include heavier duty anchoring systems, drag systems, or scent dispensers.
The ability to customize the anchoring and scent presentation allows trappers to adapt the trap to specific environmental conditions and target animal behaviors. The compatibility with common trapping accessories ensures that the trap can be tailored to individual preferences and trapping styles.
Pros and Cons of Minnesota Trapline Bridger Coil Trap 1005910
Pros
- Exceptional Durability: The heavy-duty construction and laminated jaws ensure long-lasting performance even under harsh conditions.
- Adjustable Pan Tension: The fully adjustable pan tension allows for precise sensitivity settings, minimizing false triggers and maximizing successful catches.
- Powerful 4-Coil Spring: The strong springs provide rapid and secure jaw closure, reducing the chance of an animal escaping.
- Humane Design: The offset modified jaws reduce the potential for injury to captured animals, promoting ethical trapping practices.
- Dogless Design: Simplifies trap setting and eliminates potential dog malfunctions, increasing reliability in the field.
Cons
- Initial Pan Tension Can Be Stiff: Requires some initial adjustment to achieve optimal sensitivity.
- Slightly Higher Price Point: Compared to basic traps, the Bridger represents a greater initial investment.
Who Should Buy Minnesota Trapline Bridger Coil Trap 1005910?
The Minnesota Trapline Bridger Coil Trap 1005910 is perfect for serious trappers targeting coyotes and bobcats. Those who demand reliability, durability, and adjustable performance will find this trap to be an invaluable tool. Experienced trappers will appreciate the ability to fine-tune the trap’s sensitivity and its robust construction.
Beginner trappers seeking a simple, cost-effective option for smaller game should skip this product. They may find it to be an unnecessary investment for their needs. Someone who needs a lighter trap for purely weight concerns may also want to look at other options.
Must-have accessories include a high-quality anchoring system and a reliable trap setter tool. Also, appropriate scent lures for the target species are essential for successful trapping.
Conclusion on Minnesota Trapline Bridger Coil Trap 1005910
The Minnesota Trapline Bridger Coil Trap 1005910 is a top-tier trapping tool that delivers exceptional performance and durability. Its adjustable pan tension, powerful spring mechanism, and humane design make it a standout choice for targeting coyotes and bobcats. While the initial investment is higher than basic traps, the Bridger’s long-lasting reliability and consistent performance justify the cost.
The price is justified for serious trappers looking for reliable and effective traps. Those who are new to trapping or targeting smaller game may find it to be overkill.
I would personally recommend the Minnesota Trapline Bridger Coil Trap 1005910 to any serious trapper looking to improve their success rate and reduce animal suffering. Invest in this trap, and you’ll experience the difference that quality equipment can make in your trapping endeavors. Upgrade your trapping line today!