I have purchased my guns from three different sources. I never use a manufacturer except to view what they are releasing in their new catalog. Of the four guns I have purchased, three were purchased under MSRP or estimated costs for shipping and FFL. One was right at estimated value for its age and condition.
I have used a local gun shop for two of my purchases. There are three fairly good sized sporting goods and gun shops in my area but I use the gun shop because it also has an indoor range. It is really convenient to test and buy at the same location.
There are also several pawn shops that also deal in guns in my area. I picked up my Springfield for under $100 from a pawn shop last month.
I have also purchased from a private individual. You can usually get pretty good deals on guns from a private party. And the good thing about a private party sale where I live is that there is no paperwork or reporting involved. I have never used online shopping as anything I have seen so far i can get for the same or better price by going directly to my gun shop.

I've bought on-line and had it shipped to a local dealer and from local dealers.

I just purchased my second gun ever and it was done through gunbroker.com without hick up. I found a great local FFL who did the transfer for $20 and it was painless, except the waiting .

Online dealers most of the time.

I purchase from my local dealer whenever possible. They're very friendly and knowledgable and I like supporting local businesses.

i go to local gun store but if anybody has any good websites to purchase from please let me know about them

i usually get the better deal at a gun show, but there is 1 dealer in my area that has very good prices.

I try to purchase from local gun stores but shop at the gun shows also. I've found a few great deals at gun shows and will buy as long it is from an established, in-state company. Buying locally gets me some great lifetime warranty deals though.

Originally Posted by mactex

I try to purchase from local gun stores but shop at the gun shows also. I've found a few great deals at gun shows and will buy as long it is from an established, in-state company. Buying locally gets me some great lifetime warranty deals though.

I do the same as mactex.

My local range/gun shop has the lowest prices I could find.

Alway local, when and if possible. Even if I have to pay more locally, I will do so. However, there is a cap that I'll follow in that regard. But I've got 2 local shops that will match or beat anything reasonable I can find elsewhere.

Reasonable meaning, they won't match Wild Bill up the streets price of $300 for that Custom 1911, because he needs to pay the gas bill on Monday. So.... within reason.

I personally like to put my eyes and hands on whatever it is I'm purchasing in regards to firearms.

I have yet to find a local store who wasn't $100 over what I could find online. Even with the $30 transfer fee I pay my FFL. Example - Online price for XD 45 Service $439 +$20 ship +$30 FFL = $489. Local price $549 +$45.29 tax = $594.29. Here in the Peoples Republic of Illinois when they ask us what type of lube do you want with that gun they arn't speaking of GUN lube.....

www.budsgunshop.com I have found is about the best place to buy a new quality firearm. Even with the transfer fee through your local FFL I have found that you can save anywhere from $100-$150 on a new firearm depending on price. I am in NC and transfer fees here very greatly. I normally have my transfers done for $25.

I actually use all the selections provided to find the best deal. It is easier to wheel and deal at a local gun store or gunshow and this will also save on shipping and transfer fees. Having an FFL or a friend with an ffl will get you some really good prices from distributors. You never know what your gonna get from an online auction site...but deals can be found,especially if you like to tinker. Pawn shops are a rip off unless you know the owners or an expert at making the deal you want.Don't be sheepish in a pawn shop,they'll eat ya for breakfast.

Online retailer for me. Both purchases I made I have sought out local shops with not having any luck with them being able to touch the prices I find online. My first purchase was through Buds and the second through Jax Shooters.

I'm planning on buying local. Right now, untill I get my permit all I can do is window shop.

Andy

I usually buy my guns at a local store, VA has quite a few good ones, ammo is a different story. I tend to buy where ever I can find some, online, Walmart local stores.

Local pawn shop (most of his handguns are new). Knows I do my research and he doesn't rip me off. If he doesn't have it he will look online to see if he can find it let me know the price and order it then and there if I'm interested. Takes my trades at minimum loss when I find out I didn't like it after all. Still check the prices just to keep him honest but don't mind paying a little extra to have someone local. Ammo prices still too high though.

really, the best deal is not having to go all over hell's half acres to save a few bucks. Find somebody you trust and stick with him. I earn my good deals through faithful support of my local shop.

There is a local pawn shop called Super Pawn about 10 minutes from my house. They have a large selection of new handguns and a few used ones. They are more than happy to order anything that they don't have in stock.

My local Gun Range I frequent has given me good prices compared to internet every time I have asked.

My local gun shop has the best prices. Maybe because they supply PDs also. But, everything I see on Gunbroker and other sites is usually cheaper by $100 or more. For example: A few months ago they had Beretta 90-twos going for $498.00 NIB. Yeah, during the mass gun buy-up phase.

Voted local gun shop but really should be local shop. Gun shops around here are considerabley higher than the online but shockingly higher than some of the "sporting goods" store that carry firearms, especially in on pistols.