Air Rifle Snowpeak AP1000 Mercury 6.35mm

The Chinese company Snowpeak Airguns (SPA) is a true master 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, considering the functions offered, above all an unbeatable purchase price.

Rifle variants

The Mercury model is produced 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 fitted with a rifled barrel designed for shooting with lead pellets. The entire barrel is wrapped in a stylish jacket / shroud with a surface finish imitating carbon fibre, giving the rifle a much more premium look. The muzzle is finished with a sound moderator, and after removing it you will find a 1/2UNF thread for mounting another moderator (with 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 major advantage compared to the competition is the integrated pressure regulator, thanks to which the rifle achieves a consistent muzzle velocity both with a full cylinder and right above the regulator setpoint. The remaining pressure is shown by a simple manometer, which is located either at the end of the standard cylinder or near the neck of the air bottle, depending on the model. In the same place you will also find the port for the Quickfill filling pin for quick coupler connection.

Cocking mechanism

The manufacturer went for a proven solution and used a popular biathlon-style side lever with smooth operation and a handle large enough 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 very interesting feature 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 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 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 rifle include a rubberised AR-15 style grip, which you can replace with another one, and the forend, depending on the variant, features either M-LOK slots (on the version with a standard cylinder) or a lower 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 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! The pressure regulator for this calibre is factory set to 160 bar. Shooting below this pressure level can cause damage to the regulator and subsequent loss of air tightness of the gun. When 160 bar is reached, we therefore recommend always refilling the cylinder.