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 airguns are characterised by excellent workmanship, high modularity and, with regard to the functions offered, above all by an unbeatable purchase price.

Rifle variants
The Mercury model is manufactured in 4 design versions:
- AP900 – 310 mm barrel, aluminium 118cc cartridge and bottom M-LOK rail.
- AP1000 – 500 mm barrel, aluminium 250cc cartridge 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 with a stylish shroud / shroud with a surface finish imitating carbon fibre, giving the air rifle a much more premium appearance. The muzzle is fitted with a sound moderator; once it is removed, you will find a 1/2UNF thread for possible installation of another moderator (for models AP900 and AP900 B it is possible to install only a moderator with a maximum body diameter of 28 mm. A larger moderator would interfere with the air cartridge).

If the threaded adapter remains on the moderator, you can simply loosen it, for example with 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 cartridge and just above the regulator set point. The remaining pressure is indicated by a simple manometer, which is located either at the end of the standard cartridge or near the neck of the pressure bottle, depending on the model. You will also find here the port for the Quickfill filling pin for quick coupling.
Loading mechanism
The manufacturer went for a safe bet here and used the popular biathlon-style side lever with smooth operation and a handle large enough even for bigger hands. For shooting you can use either the spring-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 must first install onto 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 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 air rifle include a rubberised AR-15 type pistol grip, so you can replace it with another one, and the forend, depending on the rifle variant, features either M-LOK slots (on the version with standard cartridge) 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 gun, top rail and 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 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.