The Chinese company Snowpeak Airguns (SPA) is a true master in the field of budget-friendly air rifles. This is also proven by the new line of PCP air rifles called Mercury - these air rifles are characterized by excellent workmanship, high modularity, and above all unbeatable purchase price given the offered features.
Airgun Variants
The Mercury model is produced in 4 design versions:
- AP900 - 310mm barrel, aluminium 118cc cartridge, and M-LOK forearm.
- AP1000 - 500mm barrel, aluminium 250cc cartridge, and M-LOK forearm.
- AP900 B - 310mm barrel, carbon 350cc bottle, and Picatinny forearm.
- AP1000 B - 500mm barrel, carbon 500cc bottle, and Picatinny forearm.
Each variant offers 3 calibers - 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 lead pellets. The entire barrel is covered by a stylish shroud with a carbon fiber imitation surface finish, giving the air rifle a much more premium look. The muzzle is finished with a silencer, and removing it reveals a 1/2UNF thread for possible mounting of a different sound moderator (the AP900 and AP900 B models can only be fitted with a moderator with a maximum diameter of 28 mm. Larger moderators would interfere with the air cartridge).
If the threaded adapter remains on the silencer, simply loosen it using a thin metal rod for example.
A significant advantage compared to competition is the integrated pressure regulator, thanks to which the air rifle achieves a consistent muzzle velocity both with a full cartridge and nearing the regulator's limit. The remaining pressure is indicated by a simple pressure gauge, which, depending on the model, is located either at the end of the standard cartridge or near the neck of the pressure bottle. Right beside it, there is a slot for the quick-connector Quickfill pin.
Reloading Mechanism
The manufacturer relied on a proven solution and used the popular biathlon side cocking lever with smooth operation and a sufficiently large handle even for bigger hands. Shooting can be done using either the spring-loaded magazine (2 pcs included) or the supplied single-shot adapter.
Trigger and Safety
The trigger mechanism allows adjustment of 1st stage trigger weight, 2nd stage length, and its overall height and angle. On the left side above the trigger is a manual AR-15 type safety.
Stock and Mounting Systems
A notable feature 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 have a full-size air rifle, which can be shortened by 25 cm by folding the stock, and in the folded position, the stock is held by a magnet. The cheekpiece is fixed, and the buttpad is surprisingly made of rubber instead of plastic.
For mounting optics, there is a sufficiently long metal Picatinny rail, and on the sides, you will find two additional plastic Picatinny rails for mounting lasers, flashlights, or other accessories.
Other parts of the air rifle include a rubberized AR-15 type grip, so you can replace it with any other, and the fore-end, depending on the air rifle variant, contains either M-LOK slots (version with the standard cartridge) or a Picatinny bottom rail (version with the air bottle).
Materials and Workmanship
Although this is a budget air rifle, it is manufactured very well. The main frame, top rail, and the trigger guard are made from a single piece of aluminum, nothing wobbles and everything holds firmly together. Yes, there is also a lot of plastic - for example on the fore-end, 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.
