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 an unbeatable purchase price.

Rifle variants
The Mercury model is produced 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).
Features and characteristics
The air rifle is equipped with a rifled barrel designed for shooting lead pellets. The entire barrel is covered with a stylish shroud / shroud with a carbon-fibre look finish, giving the rifle a much more premium appearance. The muzzle is finished 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 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 rifle achieves 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 air cylinder or near the neck of the air bottle, depending on the model. The port for the Quickfill filling pin for a quick-coupler connection is located there as well.
Loading mechanism
The manufacturer went with 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, and in the folded position the stock is held in place by a magnet. The cheekpiece is fixed and, surprisingly, the buttpad is rubber instead of plastic.

A sufficiently long metal Picatinny rail is provided for mounting a riflescope, 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 type pistol grip, so you can replace it with another one if you wish, and the forend, 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 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 a lot of plastic parts – for example on the forend, 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! The pressure regulator for this calibre is factory set to 150 bar. Shooting below this pressure level may cause damage to the regulator and consequently also air leaks in the rifle. Once the pressure drops to 150 bar, we therefore recommend refilling the cylinder.