SteelHunter said:
>"Can I buy a 'decent' scope for my 20" A2 Bushy from Walmart that
> will work for plinking at the range (50 to 200 yards) and not bust
> my wallet?"
Yes. While testing ammo in A2 rifles, I've temporarily mounted up to 18x scopes on the carry handle. Zeroed at 25 yards, tested at 100, played at 200. I am very impressed by the accuracy of a stock rifle and cheap ammo. :)
> With the above mentioned scopes, what would be the least expensive means of
mounting one?
I grabbed a carry handle mount for $25 at the gunshow. Rings were $10 at Walmart.
> BTW, I'm not restricting myself to Walmart. I just want an "inexpensive" scope option that doesn't cost a half a grand.
The problem is, you need a quality mount, rings, and a may want a cheekrest as well. I went without quality or a cheekrest because it was temporary, but it was not comfortable. You may fit your rifle differently, though. I also didn't trust the mount to stay zeroed. The whole assembly was too tall to fit in most single-rifle cases, so I had to dissassemble or use a double rifle case.
Bushmaster.com has the ARMS #2 for $60 and a cheekrest for $60-75. A cheap 3-9x40 scope shouldn't be over $50.
> Plus, I haven't been able to find any on-line info telling me what
> sort of aiming graphic is used in these scopes; e.g., crosshairs
> (opened or closed), range finder graphics, etc.
Not sure what you mean by opened or closed, but 90% of the scopes I've seen below $200 are simple duplex reticles except for the shotgun scopes.
You should be fine for plinking, but after my experience, I would consider it to be a stepping stone on the way to something more permanent.