new to the forum and first post here.i just put a M&P 15-22 on hold at a local dealer today.i wanted to get a 5.56 but after talking with about a dozen local dealers and seeing the prices of what is available right now i just went ahead and placed the 15-22 on hold.the price for a stripped DPMS ar-15(no sights,no forward assist,no dust cover,and no shell deflector)was $1400 which is over 2x's the price it was 6 months ago.the 15-22 was selling for $480+tax and $5 background check so i couldnt pass up the deal.i cant wait to pick up my 15-22 in about 2 weeks and get it to the range.i really like the looks of all of the guns i have seen posted in this thread and LOVE the use of crayons to fill in the recessed lettering.can someone give me a brief lesson on how you colored in the letters on your 15-22?i would like to do something like this on mine when i get it and dont want to try and hand paint these little letters in.TIA and looking forward to learning more about these rifles as this is my first rifle i will own

i will post pictures of mine when i get it.also i would like some suggestions on an affordable scope for firing at distances of 50-75 yards,an affordable bipod,and a nice lightweight flashlight.