Has anyone removed the four coils on Bridger #5’s?

I’m assuming they are still plenty powerful to come up through water with just the two springs. Plus a whole lot easier to set by hand. Just looking for some opinions before I try some out.

You could remove the two coil springs on the loose jaw side and replace them with a smaller sized coil spring say a #1 1/2 coil but you may need a roll pin to extend under the length of the frame and connect the coil spring arms together. Or just use a #3 BRIDGER coil instead

hammer (a member here) makes a Pennsylvania Beaver Trap. It's a Bridger #5, with jaws cut down with outside spread of 6 1/2', measured perpendicular to levers.
These traps are 4 coiled. hammer suggested making them 2 coils. I took the helper springs off. I see no problem with the 2 coils.



Here's Pennsylvania Beaver trap (Bridger #5 modified) next to Bridger #3

Try the one handed setters instead. I use them on the Bridger #5 and MD 750's. Works great. I bought a pair for each trap size I set. Even the 1 1/2's. Makes life easier.

One handed setters rock. I used to set them by hand over my leg while sitting in a kayak, but it was only a matter of time before I snapped one on my gibblets. I bought these and never looked back.

LOL Darn giblets are always in the way.

I have a pair straight from Mr. Shelton. They are great. I just constantly leave them in the truck.

I made my own and use them on Bridger #3 to set and save my hands.