Air Rifle Snowpeak AP900 Mercury 6.35mm

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 characterized by excellent workmanship, high modularity and, considering the functions 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 with lead pellets. The entire barrel is covered by a stylish shroud / shroud with a surface finish imitating carbon fibre, giving the air 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 possible installation of a different 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 major 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 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 opening for the Quickfill filling pin for a quick coupling is also located there.

Cocking mechanism

The manufacturer went for a proven 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 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 as well as the overall height and angle of the trigger blade. 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 unboxing 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, surprisingly, the butt pad is 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 forend, depending on the variant of the air rifle, 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 plenty of plastics here – 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 air rifle in any way.