I would think that your first step should be to get a good handle on what you really want to do with the rifle. Plinking is pretty generic and can mean different things to different people.
A 1-4 would be a safe option for the 16" unless you are looking to shoot tiny groups. If you are looking for that kind of plinking then you will want some higher magnification and finer reticle.
Trijicon 1-4's are great but tend to run in the $700+ range new. Add a $200 mount and you're at your limit. While they have very good glass I have found their reticle and adjustment choices to be limited. Again my definition of plinking is different since I have access to 1000yds range (not that I use a 1-4 at that range) and like to have reticles and turrets that allow for something other than Kentucky windage even in a 1-4 scope. To me the Vortex and SWFA Super Sniper 1-4's offer more options on how they can be used.

