Air rifle Snowpeak AP1000 B Mercury 6.35mm

The Chinese company Snowpeak Airguns (SPA) is a real master in the field of low-budget air rifles. This is confirmed by the new range of PCP air rifles called Mercury – these air rifles are characterised by excellent workmanship, high modularity and, considering the features on offer, above all 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).

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 look surface finish, giving the rifle a much more premium appearance. The muzzle is fitted with a sound moderator; after removing it you will find a 1/2UNF thread for mounting an alternative 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 loosen it using, for example, a thin metal rod.

A significant 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 just above the regulator setpoint. The remaining pressure is indicated by a simple manometer, which, depending on the model, is located either at the end of the standard cylinder or near the neck of the air bottle. 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 the popular biathlon-style sidelever with smooth operation and a sufficiently large handle even for bigger hands. For shooting you can use either the pre‑indexed 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 first have to install on the rear Picatinny rail after unpacking the rifle. Once the stock is mounted, you get a fully-fledged full-length 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 buttpad 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, 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 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, 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 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 rifle in any way.

WARNING! For this calibre the pressure regulator is factory set to 160 bar. Shooting below this pressure level can lead to damage to the regulator and consequently also to loss of air tightness of the rifle. Once 160 bar is reached, we therefore recommend always refilling the cylinder.