I generally have rather eclectic tastes in firearms; lots are surplus, or otherwise used. I find something I'm interested in, dig around and try to find the best deal I can. If that's local, great. If not, online is usually having larger selection.
I bought a beater FEG Hi Power clone, that had been parkerized, for $200 online. I saw them in my local shop for $399. I picked up an LAPD Beretta 92FS online for $300, a CZ 75 pre-B for $300, a cosmetically challenged West German P226 for $300, etc; all online. I have never come across anything close local.