A couple more things I forgot to mention:
Pawn Shops: I've been doing business with the same pawnbroker for over twenty-five years. He gives me deals on things, not just guns, that are sometimes unreal. Whenever possible, I try to deal with him, but his stock can be limited.
Hours: I don't care how late the LGS is open, you're not pointing and walking out with anything if the Brady Bunch is closed for the day, unless you have a CCW and your state allows you to do so (due to shenannigans in Clark County, Nevada no longer permits this).
Gun Shows: Deals can be had but it requires patience. Out here, Crossroads of the West has several events throughout the year but the $10+ admission and the $10 parking leaves me cold. That, the 75% non-gun tables, and the fact the gun prices are higher than high (unless you get there about noon on Sunday when they're making despiration deals) cause me to skip. The Big Reno Show comes three times a year, they set up in a large hotel-casino where they have about an acre and a half (they sell beer, too!) and the H/C offers gunshow/room deals. I go Saturday, register (the multiple-day gunshow fee is part of the room price and parking is free), move in and go down and exchange my chit for a wristband. I prowl on Saturday, talking with dealers, identifying items of interest and getting prices. Sunday, I have a leisurely breakfast at the H/C's buffet then go into the show about noon. Almost always get a deal on what I was looking for, no Brady, no sales tax. No fuss, no muss, cheap reloads, too.
I remember a time when I was working a night shift. I got done earlier than several of my friends and had arranged to meet them at a local bar. While waiting, I played the bar's poker machines and, wouldn't you know it, I hit a jackpot. My friends showed up and I bought as bunch of drinks, until, one by one, everybody left.
It was about 5am and I still had a pocket full of money so I went to the local Wally World, rounded up a guy who had the keys to the gun displays, pointed and walked out with a brand new rifle, no Brady, nothing but sales tax. It took about ten minutes.
Those were the days...
ed
