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

Rifle variants
The Mercury model is manufactured in 4 design versions:
- AP900 – 310 mm barrel, aluminium 118cc air cylinder and bottom M-LOK rail.
- AP1000 – 500 mm barrel, aluminium 250cc air 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 lead pellets. The entire barrel is wrapped 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 removing it, you reveal 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 rifle achieves consistent muzzle velocity both with a full cylinder and just above the regulator setpoint. The remaining pressure is shown by a simple manometer, which is located either at the end of the standard air cylinder or near the neck of the air bottle, depending on the model. You will also find the opening for the Quickfill filling pin for the quick coupler there.
Loading mechanism
The manufacturer opted for a tried-and-tested 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 tray.

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 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 mounting a scope, and on the sides you will find two additional plastic Picatinny rails for installing a laser, flashlight or other accessories.
Other parts of the rifle include a rubberised AR-15 style pistol grip, which you can replace with another one, and the fore-end, depending on the rifle variant, features either M-LOK slots (on the version with a standard air cylinder) or a bottom Picatinny rail (on the version with an 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 made from a single piece of aluminium, nothing wobbles and everything holds firmly together. Yes, you will also find plenty of plastic here – for example on the fore-end, the side Picatinny rails and the entire stock is also plastic. 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! For 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 loss of sealing (leaks) in the gun. Once the pressure drops to 150 bar, we therefore always recommend refilling the cylinder.