I have one, can't remember which model, I think I paid about $70 for it. I use it on my AR-15 with a 20" barrel. It doesn't hold zero very well. For a short time it's OK but if you put the gun away for a couple months it has to be re-zero'd. I've also got a Bushnell Elite 4200 ($300) and a Bushnell 22 Rimfire ($40) and find the quality on both of those to be worlds beyond the Barska. I have not seen either of them lose zero when stored. When I get around to it, I will probably replace the Barska with another Bushnell 4200.
For casual plinking, I would take a peek at some of the scopes offered by Mueller Optics. They are still very easy on the wallet, but won't leave you cussing.
I bought a barska from Midway once.... got it and didnt like it...the sight thru scope was dark,,,not clear,, didnt even mount it. Will not buy one again.
I was given one of these scopes without ever even hearing about them. It is a 6x24X power. I mounted on an all weather Ruger 77 in 300 Win Mag and kept it mounted as I tested about 100 reloads. The scope held up and never lost zero. I did notice at the high power settings above 18x, there was slight darkening like Disco said. I later removed the scope from the 300 and replaced it with a silver one from a different manufacturer to match the stainless Ruger.
Looking more into Barska, I did notice they are about the lowest price scopes you can buy new. My one-time experience with Barska has been good.
I have a Barska marketed as a tactical scope due to the short tube and illuminated reticle. It's merely okay, and will work out to 100 yards but it is a bit dark and I guess I would say a little hazy. Just not really sharp. Of course, it was inexpensive. You can get bettr clarity with the CenterPoint 4-16x40 scope they have at Walmart for about the same price. It is a longer scope though which looks funny on a short AR.
If you could swing about $200 for a Falcon Menace 1.5-5x30 it is around the same size as the Barska with much better glass and build quality.
Having said that, it sounds like you know sort of what to expect and if the Barska is what you're looking for it may do okay.