A brand new company has produced a simple, yet effective attachment for weapon mounted lights. They called it the CMD (Carbon Mitigation Device) and it could not only save lives but also save your light!
Two brothers recently formed Dark Matter Concepts and began producing their CMD. One brother is a veteran A-10 “Warthog” pilot, and the other an engineer. They set out to solve the problem of carbon build-up on the end of your WML (weapon mounted light) as you fire rounds through your gun.
I first experienced this back in my early law enforcement days. Back then it was common to either cover up your light with tape or bring a rag to clean it off during training events. It doesn’t take long for the end of your light to turn black from the build-up, which of course makes the light ineffective.
During training, this is an annoying inconvenience. But in the field, if black build-up covers your light, you find yourself without light when you need it the most.
So, what is the CMD?
The Carbon Mitigation Device is made from 6061 aluminum and fits over a weapon-mounted light to provide a shield from the carbon that blows out the muzzle of your gun when fired. It’s also made in the USA which is another big plus for me.
I met with the owners during SHOT 2025 and took a look at their current product. I also got to check out a prototype that is still in the works.
Because Dark Matter Concepts wanted their CMD to fit perfectly over the light, the CMD is made specifically for each light. Currently they are selling the CMD for the Surefire Scout (base series, not IR or turbo). It’s also available for the Modlight PLHV2 and OKW. These supplies are limited while supplies last. Sizes for additional long-gun lights are expected to be available in the future.
Mounting the CMD is easy and two pressure set screws, one on each side of the CMD, hold it securely in place.
Dark Matter Concepts has a utility patent for the CMD, which will hit the market this year. The owners say the first round of CMD’s for handgun mounted lights will also be available later this year. I was able to see a prototype for the Surefire X300 and some photos of how well it works. Besides the Surefire, they also plan to have one available for the Streamlight TLR-1 and TLR-7 lights.
Added protection for your weapon mounted light
The initial purpose of the CMD is to protect the lens on your light from carbon and soot. But it also acts as a metal shield for the end of your light. One edge extends from the end of the light, protecting it from direct impact to the lens or front portion.
Last year, I reviewed the Swampfox Sentinel II red dot. A separate metal “shield” called the Ironsides slides over the optic giving an extra layer of protection. Similarly, the CMD acts as a metal “shield, ensuring it stays clean and ready for use — just as important as keeping the end of your light clean and ready for use.
Need to protect your light?
There were a lot of new accessories on display at SHOT, but the CMD is something you can’t find anywhere else. It’s not flashy, but it’s practical and serves multiple purposes. The prototype mounted to the Surefire X300 fit in the Safariland 6000 series holsters which is another plus. Once available, you can attach the CMD to your light and you’re good to go.
The price tag is in the $65 range for the long-gun light CMD. It is expected to be in the same price range for handgun mounted light CMDs as well. For some, this may be a little on the pricy side, but think about the long-term savings. It protects your light and keep the lens clean when firing the gun.
I think this is an exciting device to see and look forward to the handgun light CMDs this year.
