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 offered features, above all a purchase price that is second to none.

Air rifle variants
The Mercury model is manufactured in 4 design versions:
- AP900 – 310 mm barrel, aluminium 118cc air cylinder and lower M-LOK rail.
- AP1000 – 500 mm barrel, aluminium 250cc air cylinder and lower M-LOK rail.
- AP900 B – 310 mm barrel, aluminium 350cc bottle and lower Picatinny rail.
- AP1000 B – 500 mm barrel, aluminium 350cc bottle and lower 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 enclosed in a stylish sleeve / shroud with a carbon-fibre-effect finish, giving the rifle a much more premium look. The muzzle is fitted with a sound moderator; once removed, it reveals a 1/2UNF thread for the optional 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 with 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 standard cylinder or near the neck of the pressure bottle, depending on the model. This is also where you will find the port for the Quickfill filling pin for a quick-coupler.
Loading mechanism
The manufacturer opted 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 the pre-tensioned magazine (2 pcs included) or the supplied single-shot tray.

Stock and mounting systems
A major highlight of this model is the folding stock, which you must first install onto the rear Picatinny rail after unpacking the rifle. Once the stock is mounted, you get a fully-fledged long air rifle that 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 buttpad is, surprisingly, 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, flashlight or other accessories.
Other parts of the rifle include a rubberised AR-15 type pistol grip, so you can replace it with another one, and the fore-end, depending on the rifle variant, features either M-LOK slots (on the version with the standard cylinder) or a lower Picatinny rail (on the version with the 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, the top rail and the trigger guard are machined from a single piece of aluminium, nothing wobbles and everything is solidly held together. Yes, you will also find plenty of plastic parts – for example on the fore-end, 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.