We first saw Black Bunker at the IWA2023 trade show, where they unveiled their revolutionary break barrel air rifle with a folding mechanism.
However, this is far from everything the BM8 offers – it was created for survival purposes in a harsh environment. It starts with the use of a classic break barrel loading system, just like we know from the old Slavia air rifles. Instead of a traditional spring, it features an advanced gas RAM piston, which guarantees high power while reducing vibration and recoil when shooting.

The air rifle therefore does not require any additional accessories such as expensive PCP compressors or a supply of disposable CO2 cartridges. The manufacturer also avoided using a magazine system like we know from modern Gamo air rifles, in order to achieve maximum reliability. Last but not least, the air rifle is almost entirely covered with durable polymer, again with regard to easy maintenance and better protection of key components. The focus on survival use is clearly visible.

In its basic configuration, the air rifle is equipped with fixed iron sights mounted on the barrel. For installing a riflescope, there is a standard 22 mm Weaver / Picatinny rail, and if you want to upgrade the air rifle with a laser, tactical light or bipod, another two removable rails are located on the sides of the fore-end.

The BM8 model consists of 3 moving parts – a classic break barrel, the main block and a folding stock. After loosening one rotary safety near the barrel and the second push-button safety above the stock, both parts are released and can then be folded into a triangular shape. The rail, which originally serves to compress the piston when breaking the barrel, now acts as a safety in the folded position, where it locks into a slot hidden in the stock.

The package also includes a practical waterproof case for small accessories or ammunition, which fits perfectly inside the folded air rifle, and a protective cap for the muzzle and breech to keep out dirt.
This version is additionally equipped with a 1/2UNF thread at the muzzle for mounting a sound moderator. Please note that due to the air rifle being powered by a gas piston, the installed sound moderator has no sound-suppressing function. On this type of air rifle, moderators serve only as a decorative element, since the noise generated by the spring or piston during the shot is transmitted through the main tube.
Our opinion
We always like to see manufacturers of air rifles trying to come up with something new, original and innovative. And the BM8 air rifle is exactly that case. The folding mechanism is cleverly designed, nothing rattles or wobbles and the air rifle as a whole gives a robust impression. In short, it is a fully-fledged (and powerful) break barrel with a few extra upgrades.
Detailed article about the Black Bunker BM8 air rifle