How long should the normal springer be cocked for? i keep mine loaded for around 40 minutes at most, cause i dont want a drop off from spring fatigue, any suggestions as to how long?

I don't think you have to worry about 40 minutes.:thumb:

I've read that it really doesn't start affecting things until about after 2 days.

Here's an excellent writeup on this topic, along with some extensive testing (at least more than I would probably ever do):

http://www.ora8i.rivington-riflemen.org/cocked-springer.html