The Chinese company Snowpeak Airguns (SPA) is a true master in the field of budget air rifles. This is confirmed 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 by 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 enclosed in a stylish sleeve / shroud with a carbon-fibre look surface finish, giving the air rifle a much more premium appearance. The muzzle is finished with a sound moderator; after removing it, you will find a 1/2UNF thread for mounting a different 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, 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 cylinder and right down to the regulator pressure limit. The remaining pressure is indicated by a simple manometer, which is located either at the end of the standard cylinder or near the neck of the pressure bottle, depending on the model. You will also find here 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 side lever with smooth operation and a sufficiently large handle, 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 onto 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, 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 components of the air rifle include a rubberised AR-15 type grip, so you can replace it with a different one, and the forend, 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, 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 plastic parts here – for example on the forend, 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 on this calibre is factory-set to 150 bar. Shooting below this pressure level may cause damage to the regulator and consequently also loss of sealing of the gun. When 150 bar is reached, we therefore recommend always refilling the cylinder.