Black Bunker BM8 Air Rifle Review: A Serious Survival Rifle

If you’ve been reading SOFREP for a while, you probably already know I’m a huge air rifle fan. Today’s air rifles are accurate, powerful, tons of fun, and don’t break the bank. They are not the same questionably built things you might have had growing up. If you haven’t checked them out in a while, I suggest heading over to Pyramyd AIR; they have some fantastic sales right now.

When it comes to air rifles, most of us think of a classic tool for hunting squirrels or plinking cans, but the Black Bunker BM8? That’s a different beast entirely. This folding air rifle is one of the most innovative designs to hit the market in a long time. It’s marketed as a survival rifle; let’s break down what that means and why you probably want to have one in your arsenal. 

A Folding Marvel

First things first, the BM8’s standout feature is its folding design. This rifle collapses into a tight little triangle, with a built-in storage compartment nestled in the middle. It’s as if an origami master decided to dabble in air rifle design. Folded up, it looks more like a survival kit than a weapon, which is both impressive and practical. For folks who love a good “gadget gun,” this will be right up your alley.

Setting It Up: A Puzzle Worth Solving

Unfolding the BM8 is where the fun really begins. The process involves releasing the skeleton buttstock, folding down the barrel assembly, and unlocking the cocking lever, which is held in place by magnets. The parts click solidly in place with a satisfying click. It feels a bit like solving a puzzle box, but instead of finding a hidden treasure, you end up with a fully functional air rifle. Once you get the hang of it, you can have it ready to fire in about 15 seconds. Not bad for a compact rifle that can hide in plain sight.

Power and Caliber Options

The BM8 is available in two calibers: .177 and .22. Mine is shown here in the harder-hitting .22 caliber. Maximum velocity of the pellets is a respectable 1000 fps. This is pretty much in line with what you would get from a .22 caliber round for a conventional firearm. This is no toy; it is a tool…a weapon.  It looks the part, feels the part, and shoots the part. 

Accuracy

This is where things get a little tricky. The BM8’s open sights are fine, but the front sight post is black. That can make it more difficult to line up for an accurate shot, especially in low-light conditions. It’s an easy fix, though; just put a little white paint on that front sight post, and you’re good to go. Or, better yet, throw on a scope on the existing Picatinny rail. 

Once you’ve got it properly set up, the BM8 shows some surprising accuracy. With the right pellets and a steady hand, you can achieve sub-inch groups at 20 yards, which isn’t too shabby for a rifle that folds up like a Swiss Army knife.

Cocking the Beast

Let’s talk about cocking this rifle. The BM8 features a gas ram powerplant, which delivers a solid performance but requires some serious elbow grease to get going—especially during the break-in period. Cocking this thing is like arm-wrestling a gorilla. It’s not too tough, but it’ll definitely leave you feeling the burn. On the bright side, the process does get easier over time, and you’ll shape some impressive forearms, so don’t give up too quickly. And it’s all worth it to send those pellets downrange at 1000 fps. 

Automatic Safety

The Black Bunker BM8 air rifle features an automatic safety mechanism. When the rifle is cocked, the safety engages automatically. To disengage the safety before firing, simply push it off, a totally silent operation.

Survival Ready

Black Bunker markets the BM8 as a survival rifle, and it’s easy to see why. The compact folding design and built-in storage compartment make it a versatile option for preppers or outdoors enthusiasts. However, at seven and a half pounds, this isn’t exactly a lightweight option. Keep that in mind when you’re out and about; it has to go wherever you go, and every ounce counts. 

I think that ammo is the big factor here. When the zombie apocalypse comes, it’s every man for himself, and ammunition of all calibers will be hard to come by. It is infinitely easier and less expensive to stock up on thousands of .22 caliber pellets as opposed to traditional firearms rounds. With the BM8, you have what practically amounts to an endless supply of ammo if you plan right. The airgun is perfectly capable of taking small game, which can keep you and your family fed until things come back to the new normal.

Final Thoughts

So, what’s the final verdict on the Black Bunker BM8? It’s a quirky, head-turning piece of engineering that does a lot of things with few if any, downsides. The folding design is clever, the power is respectable, and the accuracy is decent. However, the open sites may leave some users frustrated, but as I noted above, that’s a quick fix. 

For those looking for a unique air rifle that stands out from the crowd and can take down small game, the BM8 will make a fun and practical addition to your collection.

The very best news is that Pyramyd AIR is having an amazing sale on these right now. The .22 version, as shown here, is available for $219 (that’s 21% off the $279 regular price), and on top of that, they throw in a scope and mounting rings valued at over $97. If you are going to get one (and I would highly suggest it) now is definitely the time to do it.