The Chinese company Snowpeak Airguns (SPA) is a true expert in the field of budget air rifles. This is proven by the new series of PCP air rifles called Mercury – these air rifles are characterized by excellent workmanship, high modularity and, considering the features offered, above all by an unbeatable purchase price.

Rifle variants
The Mercury model is produced in 4 design versions:
- AP900 – 310mm barrel, aluminium 118cc air cylinder and bottom M-LOK rail.
- AP1000 – 500mm barrel, aluminium 250cc air cylinder and bottom M-LOK rail.
- AP900 B – 310mm barrel, aluminium 350cc bottle and bottom Picatinny rail.
- AP1000 B – 500mm barrel, aluminium 350cc bottle and bottom Picatinny rail.
Each variant is available in 3 calibres – 4.5 mm (.177), 5.5 mm (.22) and 6.35 mm (.25).
Features and characteristics
The air rifle is equipped with a rifled barrel designed for shooting with lead pellets. The entire barrel is covered by a stylish sleeve / shroud with a carbon-fibre-effect finish, giving the rifle a much more premium look. The muzzle is fitted with a sound moderator; once removed, it reveals a 1/2UNF thread for mounting an alternative moderator (for models AP900 and AP900 B it is only possible to install a moderator with a maximum body diameter of 28 mm. A larger moderator would interfere with the air cylinder).

If the threaded adapter remains on the moderator, you can simply loosen it, for example using a thin metal rod.
A major advantage compared to the competition is the integrated pressure regulator, thanks to which the air rifle achieves a consistent muzzle velocity both with a full cylinder and right above the regulator threshold. The remaining pressure is indicated by a simple manometer, which, depending on the model, is located either at the end of the standard cylinder or near the neck of the air bottle. This is also where you will find the port for the Quickfill filling pin for a quick coupler.
Reloading mechanism
The manufacturer relied on a proven solution and used the popular biathlon-style side lever with smooth operation and a sufficiently large handle even for bigger hands. For shooting you can use either the pre-tensioned magazine (2 pcs included) or the supplied single-shot adapter.

Stock and mounting systems
A very interesting feature of this model is the folding stock, which you first have to install on the rear Picatinny rail after unpacking the rifle. Once the stock is mounted, you get a fully-fledged long air rifle, which can be shortened by 25 cm by folding the stock, and in the folded position the stock is held in place by a magnet. The cheekpiece is fixed and the butt pad is surprisingly made of rubber instead of plastic.

For mounting a scope there is a sufficiently long metal Picatinny rail , and on the sides you will find two additional plastic Picatinny rails for attaching a laser, flashlight or other accessories.
Other parts of the rifle include a rubberized AR-15 type grip, so you can replace it with another one, and the forend, depending on the rifle variant, features either M-LOK slots (on the version with the standard cylinder) or a bottom Picatinny rail (on the version with the air bottle).
Materials and workmanship
Although this is a budget air rifle, it is manufactured to a very high standard. The main body of the gun, the top rail and the trigger guard are machined from a single piece of aluminium, nothing wobbles and everything holds firmly together. Yes, you will also find plenty of plastics here – for example on the forend, the side Picatinny rails and the entire stock is plastic as well. However, thanks to the use of high-quality polymer these parts still feel solid and durable and do not negatively affect the overall function of the rifle in any way.
WARNING! On this calibre, the pressure regulator is factory set to 150 bar. Shooting below this pressure level may cause damage to the regulator and subsequently also air leaks in the gun. When 150 bar is reached, we therefore recommend always topping up the cylinder.