Air Rifle Snowpeak AP900 B Mercury 6.35mm

The Chinese company Snowpeak Airguns (SPA) is a true expert in the field of budget airguns. This is proven by the new series of PCP air rifles named Mercury – these air rifles are characterised by excellent workmanship, high modularity and, considering the features offered, 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).

Functions and features

The air rifle is equipped with a rifled barrel designed for shooting with lead pellets. The entire barrel is covered by a stylish shroud / shroud with a carbon fibre effect finish, giving the rifle a much more premium appearance. The barrel muzzle is fitted with a sound moderator; after removing it you will reveal a 1/2UNF thread for fitting 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 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 cylinder and just above the regulator set point. 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 pressure bottle. There you will also find the port for the Quickfill fill pin for a quick-coupler.

Loading mechanism

The manufacturer opted for a proven solution and used the popular biathlon-style side lever with a smooth action 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 major point of interest on 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 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 scope mounting, and on the sides you will find two additional plastic Picatinny rails for attaching a laser, flashlight or other accessories.

Other parts of the rifle include a rubberised AR-15 type grip, which you can replace with another one, and the fore-end, depending on the 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 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 plastic here – 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 air rifle.

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