This past x'mas the little lady stuffed a Bushy A2 carbine in my stocking.  Now if that isn't a tough act to follow....I've spent all this time trying to come up with something for her x'mas this year that would even come close.

Anyway, she shoots it as much as I do and loves the gun.  But...I wish she would have asked first, because I would have suggested the A3 or A4 config to mount optics on.  I have a handle mount that I can put a scope/red dot on, but that puts it pretty high up.  I've looked at the goose neck mounts (Benny Cooley/ARMS/etc).  

So my question is....should I look into buying a new upper (flat top) for it for when she wants the optics on it....should I buy an upper and swap out the A2 for a flat top upper.....or just leave it alone and mount a goose neck or carry handle mount?

I'll admit, I've never put an upper together from parts or swapped barrels or anything like that, nor do I have the tools to do it.  So if I went that way, it would be a first, or a trip to the gunsmith.

Or, you could go to your hometown forum and ask if anyone would be willing to help you swap out the upper receiver.  Someone there might have all the tools and like helping fellow AR15.commers out.

OR....

You could GET BOTH!!

Just get another complete upper in the configuration your looking for. Occasionally everyone wants to go back to iron sites. This way, when you do, your covered!

Hey, appreciate the replies and suggestions.  

I've been leaning towards picking up another complete upper, maybe something in a varmint set-up with a 20" barrel for scoped shooting.  But, like alot of others, trying to watch the pennies, too.

So for now, maybe an upper receiver swap might be a little cheaper way to get there.  Any suggestions on an upper receiver that would go into the Bushy with no major fit issues?

Slo

A flattop upper is roughly $100, the receiver blocks and wrench are another $50-60, but IMHO, its worth doing.  

This is assuming that you haven't gone to your OR section and asked if anyone was near you who would help you out who already has the tools....

CMT makes a high quality flattop upper for about $100.

I highly recommend it.

WIZZO

Buy another complete AR set up the way you want.  

That way you and your wife can shoot together.

Personally, I'd buy a CMT flat-top upper and ask someone to help you swap the barrel.  Keep the old receiver, as I'm sure you'll find a use for it eventually.