Air Rifle Snowpeak AP900 B Mercury 6.35mm

The Chinese company Snowpeak Airguns (SPA) is a true specialist in the field of budget-friendly air rifles. This is proven by the new series of PCP air rifles called Mercury – these air rifles stand out with their excellent workmanship, high modularity and, considering the features offered, above all a unbeatable purchase price.

Air rifle variants

The Mercury model is produced in 4 design versions:

• AP900 – 310 mm barrel, aluminium 118cc cartridge and bottom M-LOK rail.
• AP1000 – 500 mm barrel, aluminium 250cc cartridge 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 whole barrel is enclosed in a stylish sleeve / shroud with a carbon fibre effect finish, giving the air rifle a much more premium appearance. The 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 cartridge).

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 air rifle achieves consistent muzzle velocity both with a full cartridge 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 cartridge or near the neck of the air bottle, depending on the model. You will also find the port for the Quickfill fill pin for a quick coupler there.

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 a preloaded magazine (2 pcs included) or the supplied single-shot insert.

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 air 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 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 air rifle include a rubberised AR-15 type 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 cartridge) or a bottom Picatinny rail (on the version with an air bottle).

Materials and workmanship

Although this is a budget-friendly 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 parts – 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, durable and do not negatively affect the overall function of the air rifle in any way.

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 subsequently also air leaks / loss of airtightness. When the pressure reaches 150 bar, we therefore always recommend refilling the cartridge.