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

Rifle variants
The Mercury model is produced in 4 construction versions:
- AP900 – 310 mm barrel, aluminium 118cc air cylinder and lower M-LOK rail.
- AP1000 – 500 mm barrel, aluminium 250cc air cylinder and lower M-LOK rail.
- AP900 B – 310 mm barrel, aluminium 350cc bottle and lower Picatinny rail.
- AP1000 B – 500 mm barrel, aluminium 350cc bottle and lower 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 covered by a stylish shroud / shroud with a carbon fiber imitation finish, giving the air rifle a much more premium look. The muzzle is fitted with a sound moderator; after its removal you will find a 1/2UNF thread for possible mounting of another moderator (for the AP900 and AP900 B models 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 threaded adapter remains on the moderator, you can simply loosen it, for example using a thin metal rod.
A significant advantage compared to the competition is the integrated pressure regulator, thanks to which the air rifle achieves consistent muzzle velocity both with a full cylinder and just above the regulator setpoint. The remaining pressure is indicated by a simple manometer, which is located, depending on the model, either at the end of the standard cylinder or near the neck of the air bottle. The opening for the Quickfill filling pin for a quick coupler is also located there.
Loading mechanism
The manufacturer opted for a tried and tested solution and used a 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-indexed magazine (2 pcs included) or the supplied single-shot adapter.

Stock and mounting systems
A major highlight of this model is the folding stock, which you must first install on the rear Picatinny rail after unpacking the air 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 butt pad 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 mounting a laser, torch, or other accessories.
Other parts of the air rifle include a rubberized AR-15 style pistol grip, so you can replace it with another one, and the fore-end, depending on the variant, features either M-LOK slots (on the version with a standard cylinder) or a lower 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; there is no wobble and everything holds firmly together. Yes, you will also find plenty of plastic parts here – for example on the fore-end, 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 air rifle.
WARNING! The pressure regulator for this calibre is factory set to 160 bar. Shooting below this pressure level can cause damage to the regulator and subsequently also loss of airtightness of the gun. Once the pressure reaches 160 bar, we therefore recommend always refilling the cylinder.