There are a number of ways to buy whatever you want.
One is to just find a local FFL Dealer and ask him to order what you want.
This will often cost more, since you may have no idea what the rifle actually costs the dealer, and the dealer will mark up the price to make his profit.
Some local dealers try to "scalp" on prices.
You can find the rifle you want online and have a local dealer receive it for you.
You'll know exactly what the rifle costs, and the dealer will charge a fee for receiving it and doing the paperwork.
You'll be able to do some competitive shopping since the only variable will be how much the dealer charges for the service.
Good places to buy are by bidding in online auctions. Some sellers have a "Buy it now" option in which you're just buying it outright.
http://www.auctionarms.com/search/search.aspx
http://www.gunbroker.com/
Another is an out right sales site. They state their price, and there's no auction.
http://www.gunsamerica.com/
Last, is to use the Buy and Sell areas on many gun forums.
People post guns for sale, and you can advertise to buy.
Last, most of the AK makers have lists of local dealers in your area that stock or sell their rifles.
You can ask on the gun forums what the DEALER price of the rifle is and this will allow you to do some competitive shopping.
