Pump/cock airguns, how long can it sit before damage?

[His lordship.]

I have an RWS 52 rifle in .22, side cock, and a Crossman multiple pump pistol (up to 10 pumps) pneumatic model 1322 (same as the model 1377, but in 22 cal.)

These guns are kept unloaded and uncocked all the time, but when a pest comes into the yard I load up.  Sometimes the house sparrow, etc. sees me and leaves, I have waited for their buddies to come around, but I get nervous with these airguns being cocked for awhile as I cannot predict when the next target will arrive.  Doesn't this do damage to the spring on the Model 52?  If it is a level of time issue, how long can I leave either gun pumped and cocked before damage sets in? :?

I have a friend who has an old Daisy single pump youth model, similar in general shape to the model RWS 34, but cheaply made.  I recall that it was Spanish produced and he acquired it around 12+, years ago.  I believe he said that he has left it cocked and ready to shoot for prolonged periods of time.  However, it is weak, compared to my RWS 34 and RWS 52, it is not nearly of the same power.  Maybe it was made that way, or...?

Thanks

[dave]

The Diana 52 is a very powerful air gun, and the Diana 34 is not bad either. Both shoot much harder than that old youth rifle. Leaving either one cocked for an extended peroid may do damage to the spring, but it depends on who you listen to. Some say it won't hurt it, some say it will. But why risk it when you don't need to. Just discharge it safely if it going to sit cocked for a few hours otherwise. The Crosman guns on the other hand you can leave pumped up, and they can be de-cocked easily by holding the bolt back(newer models), holding the trigger back, then easing the bolt forward. Most good quality pump guns need to be partly charged- 2 or 3 pumps- all the time to keep the seals from distorting and leaking.