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

Air rifle variants
The Mercury model is manufactured in 4 design versions:
- AP900 – 310 mm barrel, aluminium 118 cc cylinder and bottom M-LOK rail.
- AP1000 – 500 mm barrel, aluminium 250 cc cylinder and bottom M-LOK rail.
- AP900 B – 310 mm barrel, aluminium 350 cc bottle and bottom Picatinny rail.
- AP1000 B – 500 mm barrel, aluminium 350 cc bottle and bottom Picatinny rail.
Each variant is offered 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 appearance. The muzzle is fitted with a sound moderator; after removing it you will find a 1/2UNF thread for mounting a different moderator (for models AP900 and AP900 B you can install only a moderator with a maximum body diameter of 28 mm. A larger moderator would interfere with the air cylinder).

If the adapter with the thread remains on the moderator, you can 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 pressure limit. 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 pressure bottle. You will also find here the port for the Quickfill filling pin with quick coupler.
Loading mechanism
The manufacturer opted 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 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 air rifle, which can be shortened by 25 cm by folding the stock; 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, torch or other accessories.
Other parts of the rifle include a rubberised AR-15 style grip, so you can replace it with a different one, and the fore-end, depending on the variant, features either M-LOK slots (on the version with a standard 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 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 lots of plastic parts – 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.
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 leaks in the rifle. When 150 bar is reached, we therefore recommend always refilling the cylinder.