but I’m not sure if I’d qualify
You are honorably retired, that counts.
One thing about Bud's, if you work up a relationship with an LGS (go in, buy cleaning stuff, ammo, accessories, etc., can really help in this--and all those really help keep their doors open) you can mention that you were interested in [specific firearm.] That you noticed that Bud's is selling it for [price.] Then ask them how good a price they could offer on the same thing.
Now, the shop knows you are not talking about low-balling them, but you are engaging their skill set in offering items customer want (as opposed to bought on speculation that a given item might sell). You also are giving them an opportunity to make a sale, if they want it. Since you have done your research, you can just go to a different LGS and ask them to do the Bud's transfer (check the Bud's list of people they've already done business with).
Hardest thing to deal with is when a specific shop has something you have now set your heart upon. This gets complicated. You go do your research and they are, say, 20% over Bud's. So, you go in and try to lowball them for 20% off. And, they tell you to go pound sand. Now, you are stuck. Even if you only ask for 10% off, they can still tell you to pound sand. Sure, you can go find a different shop and order off Bud's, but that's not the one
you want sitting in
that case, right
there.
Finesse and tact are your friends. Also, knowledge is power. Emotional Attachment can trip you up, as you have a better bargaining position if you can walk away.
It's a skill, like any other, it takes practice. Lucky for us, such practice gets us cool tools