Air Rifle Snowpeak AP1000 Mercury 4.5mm

The Chinese company Snowpeak Airguns (SPA) is a true expert 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 unbeatable purchase price.

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 covered with a stylish sleeve / shroud with a carbon fibre effect finish, giving the air rifle a much more premium look. The barrel muzzle is fitted with a sound moderator, and after removing it you will find a 1/2UNF thread for mounting an alternative 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 significant 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. There you will also find the port for the Quickfill fill probe for a quick coupler.

Reloading mechanism

The manufacturer opted for a proven solution and used a popular biathlon side lever with smooth operation and a handle large enough even for bigger hands. For shooting you can use either a 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 on the rear Picatinny rail after unpacking 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; 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 attaching a laser, torch or other accessories.

Other parts of the air rifle include a rubberised AR-15 type pistol grip, which you can replace with another one, and the forend, depending on the rifle variant, features either M-LOK slots (on the version with a standard air 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 gun, the top rail and the trigger guard are machined 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.

WARNING! The pressure regulator for this calibre is factory set to 150 bar. Shooting below this pressure level may cause damage to the regulator and consequently also leakage of the rifle. Once the pressure reaches 150 bar, we therefore recommend always refilling the cylinder.