JG- not sure how much you want to spend for a scope on your plinker. I am super happy with my Hawke, I wasn't looking for a Leupold - and the snob in me didn't want a Simmons( though just like others here I have a buddy who has been deadly with his for years).
Thought I would throw this out there for consideration as it seems to be just about what you said you were looking for.
4-12x40 AOps- glad you read my ocomment abut the soft receive. I ended up using epoxy in one screw hole- didn't want it to happen to others.