Like most things airgun related, this gets that most common of answers, "it depends". A Gamo spring PROBABLY won't last as long as a Diana spring which PROBABLY won't last as long as a Beeman spring, etc. Rifles with choked barrels seem to be easier on springs, as do guns with tight fitting spring guides and/or tophats. Spring wire diameter has an impact on longevity, as does pellet weight and caliber. I had a Gamo CFX that killed the OEM spring after less than 2000 rounds, then it ate a Maccarri spring in less than another 2K. Spring diameter will make a difference, if it's a sloppy fit in the compression tube, the spring can rub on the sides and kink. Lack of or improper lubrication has an impact, Diana rifles are notoriously light on lubes, while others are over done. Which brings us to piston seals. I've heard stories of springs lasting 20K or more, and cases like mine where they don't make 2K. And gun quality is no guarantee, I had an HW 77 I purchased used, it shot really smooth when I got it, but the consistency was terrible. Finally opened it up, the spring was in 4 pieces. None of which is any help, I'm sure. The best thing to do is just treat springs as consumables, same as pellets, and factor in a new spring every year or two. You're only talking $20 or so, depending on the rifle, so it really isn't that big a deal. Later.
Dave
