Solvent Traps: 9 Things You Should Know in 2022

Firearm safety and efficiency are a top priority for first responders and veterans. Among the many considerations on firearms, maintenance is vital. Having your firearm in perfect operational condition is essential, and that’s where solvent traps come in. So what are some of the things you should know concerning solvent traps?

A solvent trap is a firearm cleaning solution. It is a kit used by firearm owners to get rid of debris in the firearm that can affect the efficiency and safety of the user. Solvent traps are ideal for any firearm user, and you can simply thread them onto the firearm’s barrel and catch the solvent and oils. These kits give you the option to either dispose of the solvent or store it for future use. They also come in different sizes and materials.

Solvent traps are a compatible, adaptive, and configurable firearm cleaning solution. They are used to trap oil or solvent in the barrel effectively. This helps improve the firearm’s performance and ensures safety.

Selecting a suitable solvent trap kit for your firearm is a crucial decision. You have to get one that will fit onto your firearm and effectively trap the solvent. Some of the things that you should look for to make the best choice include;

Solvent trap cups are there to keep the solvent fluids inside the trap. Every kit comes with several storage cups. Some have three, others five, and you might get as many as eight in some kits. Storage cups are usually made of aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium.

Material – Solvent trap kits are made of different materials. Some are made of stainless steel, aluminum, and other titanium. Typically, it would help if you went for a material that’s your preference and one that will not damage your firearm muzzle.

The number of storage cups – This will depend on whether you want to store the trapped solvent or not. If you’re going to keep the debris, you should consider going for a kit with more storage cups. If not, the number of storage cups shouldn’t affect your decision.

Size – What are the dimensions of the thread tube? Will it be compatible with your firearm’s muzzle? The measurements of the different parts of the solvent trap kit should ideally fit onto your firearm to make the cleaning process simpler. Here is a guide for thread pitch sizes.

Cost – How much will it cost you to get a kit? Although the price seems to be a critical aspect to consider, a solvent trap is a long-term investment. It would be best to consider getting a good one at a reasonable price.

The manufacturing and use of solvent trap kits are perfectly legal as they are unregulated, but manufacturers must be carful to not add certain characteristics that violate Gun Control Act of 1968 or NFA rules, solvent traps are solvent traps and should be treated and built accordingly. Any firearm owner can get a solvent trap from a reputable, law abiding manufacturer or reseller, and use it without any legal concerns. Like with many industries though, there are bad apples that skirt rules and sell items under the guise of solvent traps, when they are blatantly selling them as another item all together. This is why going with a reputable solvent trap cleaning supply company like Armory Den is important. Again, solvent traps don’t fall under the ATF/NFA umbrella of regulation and the ATF has publicly stated that a solvent trap that can’t muffle sound nor allow a projectile to pass through the item is nothing more than a firearm accessory.

You can legally make your own solvent traps if they don’t spill into any Gun Control Act of 1968 or NFA Handbook definitions that would allow them to be deemed as an unregistered NFA item of any sort.

It is not recommended that you make your own solvent trap though, finding a reputable company like Armory Den that has experience in making solvent traps ONLY FOR CLEANING and know how to build them in light of known obscure and vague rules, is your best bet! leaning. Disclaimer: The following information is for information purposes only and is not a recommendation. Any intention of modifying a firearm, making one, or manufacturing solvent traps into an item that allows them to muffle sound or allow a projectile to travel through them will: 1.) Will FIRST require one to fill an ATF Form 1, send in the the application accompanied with a $200 NFA Tax Stamp Payment, and most importantly receive back an approved Tax Stamp and Serial number AND 2.) This converts the definition of the solvent trap and thus it is no longer a solvent trap at this point.

Disclaimer: The article is for educational purposes only. We DO NOT promote nor encourage the building of solvent traps. We also DO NOT encourage modification or alteration of Solvent traps. Armory Den is here to sell Solvent Traps for the sole purpose of cleaning firearms.

Some firearm owners think that all solvent trap kits are one size fits all. However, that’s not always the case. These kits are individually worked on in precision, and each has its unique aspects. There are significant differences that you should know.

The sizes are a major difference. Nonetheless, most of the solvent traps are made in industry-standard requirements to fit most firearms and standardized solvent trap tube threads allow for the attachement to certain muzzle devices that allow users to quickly attach and detach the solvent trap to certain firearms (i.e. AR-15s), without the need of removing the flash hider with a vice and wrench during each cleaning session. Other attachments act as extensions so the guide rod on certain Browning Style Pistols does not interfere with the solvent trap during barrel cleaning. The material used to make a solvent trap also differs from kit to kit. This often goes down to the preference and price when making a choice.

The number of parts per kit might also differ. Storage cups are usually the distinguishing factor, and some have few, and others have more. Others come with thread protectors and spacers, while others are longer or shorter.

There isn’t any particular all encompassing solvent trap that can be deemed “the best solvent trap”. There are many variations across resellers and manufacturers. A manufacturer might have his signature kit, but it always goes down to what the customer wants, reputable companies focus on above mentioned standardization and quality materials. What is ideal to one might not be preferred by another firearm owner.

On the other hand, an ideal solvent trap is made of durable material, has as many parts on the kit, and is sold at a reasonable price. These are the points to set the standards on what is ideal for a particular client.

Purchasing a solvent trap is very simple. First, it is crucial to look for a licensed and certified seller with plenty of good reviews from existing and former customers. This is a step to ensure you of quality.

You then move forward to checking out their site, such as Armory Den, and browse for what they have to offer. Use the filters available to narrow down the options if you know what you’re looking for. ‘You can always reach out to them and get proper advice on what might work for you, depending on your needs.

You have to take advantage of any discounts or offers and add your product to the chart. Access the chart and move forward to the shipping and payment details, which will facilitate your delivery. You will receive your solvent trap to your desired location in the given time. You’ll have to provide the required details to verify your identity as a buyer during your purchase.

A solvent trap kit consists of multiple parts.

• Tube (Tube extension for Adaptive Kits)

• Storage cups

• Sealed End Cap

• Thread protector

• Spacer (Solvent Collection Area)

• Cleaning Instructions

Being aware of the important information concerning solvent traps is essential as a firearm owner. Furthermore, it helps you choose the right one for your firearm, wherever you want to shop. Nevertheless, there is always room for consultation if you wish to get specifics.