Air Rifle Snowpeak AP1000 B Mercury 5.5mm

The Chinese company Snowpeak Airguns (SPA) is a true champion 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 functions offered, above all an unbeatable purchase price.

Rifle variants

The Mercury model is produced in 4 design versions:

• AP900 – 310 mm barrel, aluminium 118cc cylinder and bottom M-LOK rail.
• AP1000 – 500 mm barrel, aluminium 250cc cylinder and bottom M-LOK rail.
• AP900 B – 310 mm barrel, aluminium 350cc bottle and bottom Picatinny rail.
• AP1000 B – 500 mm 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).

Functions and features

The air rifle is equipped with a rifled barrel designed for shooting with lead pellets. The entire barrel is enclosed in 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, and after unscrewing it you will find a 1/2UNF thread for mounting an alternative moderator (for the AP900 and AP900 B models you can only 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, which allows the rifle to achieve consistent muzzle velocity both with a full cylinder and right above the regulator setpoint. The remaining pressure is indicated by a simple manometer, which is located either at the end of the standard cylinder or near the neck of the air bottle, depending on the model. There you will also find the port for the Quickfill filling pin for quick-coupler connection.

Loading mechanism

The manufacturer has gone for 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 a spring-tensioned magazine (2 pcs included) or the supplied single-shot tray.

Stock and mounting systems

A very interesting feature of this model is the folding stock, which you must first install onto the rear Picatinny rail after unpacking the rifle. Once the stock is mounted you get a full-size 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 buttpad is surprisingly made of rubber instead of plastic.

A sufficiently long metal Picatinny rail is provided for scope installation, and on the sides you will find two additional plastic Picatinny rails for mounting a laser, torch or other accessories.

Other parts of the rifle include a rubberised AR-15 style 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 standard cylinder) or a bottom Picatinny rail (on the version with 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 rifle, the top rail and the trigger guard are made from a single piece of aluminium, nothing wobbles and everything holds firmly together. Yes, you will also find plenty of plastic – 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, durable and do not negatively affect the overall function of the rifle.

WARNING! The pressure regulator on this calibre is factory set to 150 bar. Shooting below this pressure level may cause damage to the regulator and subsequently also air leaks in the rifle. When the pressure reaches 150 bar, we therefore always recommend refilling the cylinder.