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 characterised by excellent workmanship, high modularity and, considering the features offered, above all an 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).
Features and characteristics
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, and once removed it reveals a 1/2UNF thread for mounting an alternative 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 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 air rifle achieves a consistent muzzle velocity both with a full cylinder and right down to the regulator set point. 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. You will also find here the port for the Quickfill filling pin for a 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 a 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 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 riflescope, 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 type grip, which you can replace with another one, and the forearm, depending on the rifle variant, features either M-LOK slots (on the standard cylinder version) or a bottom Picatinny rail (on the bottle version).
Materials and workmanship
Even though this is a budget air rifle, it is made 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 forearm, 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 in no way negatively affect the overall function of the rifle.