The "artillery" hold is how most shoot powerful springers, with the exception of recoiless ones like my 54 Air King with its opposing springs. Allow it to recoil by resting, not holding, the forend.
Don't dry fire. Don't leave it cocked for more than an hour or so. Buy some felt cleaning pellets and use two to uncock it if you can't shoot it empty. Follow the lubrication schedule and it will last and last.
If you scope it, you'll likely need an angled rail to compensate for "barrel droop". Check Pyramyd Air for their recommendations. Also, the scope must be springer compatible, or you'll kill it in short order.
