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 rifles are characterized by excellent workmanship, high modularity and, considering the features offered, above all by an unbeatable purchase price.

Air 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).
Functions and features
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 effect finish, giving the rifle a much more premium look. The muzzle is fitted with a sound moderator, and after removing it you will find a 1/2UNF thread for the possible installation of another 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 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 indicated by a simple manometer, which is located either at the end of the classic air cylinder or near the neck of the pressure bottle, depending on the model. The opening for the Quickfill fill probe for a quick coupler is also located there.
Loading mechanism
The manufacturer went 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.

Trigger and safety
The trigger mechanism allows you to adjust the trigger pull weight, trigger travel and its overall height and angle. On the left side above the trigger there is a manual AR-15 type safety.
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; 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 rubberized AR-15 style pistol grip, so you can replace it with another one, and the fore-end, depending on the variant of the rifle, features either M-LOK slots (on the version with standard air cylinder) or a bottom Picatinny rail (on the version with 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 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 rifle in any way.