Try to stay local as much as possible
All of the above, but I try to stay with my local shop. My first gun I bought used off of a guy online & had it shipped to my FFL b/c it was a good deal.
My next gun I bought at the local shop b/c I like them a lot and want to support them. Plus, they have pretty good prices on most guns (but not all). They're actually competitive with online prices when you factor in shipping & FFL costs, and they're extremely helpful, too. So, when I can afford it, I try to buy at the local shop unless I find a great deal too good to pass up elsewhere. I've been to too many crappy, overpriced gun stores to not appreciate the gem I have in my local shop.
All of the above, but I try to stay with my local shop. My first gun I bought used off of a guy online & had it shipped to my FFL b/c it was a good deal.
My next gun I bought at the local shop b/c I like them a lot and want to support them. Plus, they have pretty good prices on most guns (but not all). They're actually competitive with online prices when you factor in shipping & FFL costs, and they're extremely helpful, too. So, when I can afford it, I try to buy at the local shop unless I find a great deal too good to pass up elsewhere. I've been to too many crappy, overpriced gun stores to not appreciate the gem I have in my local shop.