I used to live in the Burg. I found decent deals at the Gander Mt used counter. Some stuff was out of this world priced but every now and then you would find a gem.
The shows back when I lived there sucked. Maybe they are better these days. If you need a good cheap transfer dealer. Corky's surplus in downtown Fredericksburg as always good to me. Charged be $15 back in the day.
Ditto. I've found some great, (I can't believe my eyes), deals at Gander Mtn., for example; Browning BL22 for $200, HK USP9 for $400. Many others over the years. Some prices are high, some aren't.
Shows at the Expo center are full of guns, sold by some excellent dealers, and usually one can negotiate a better deal. For example; within the year I've purchased a DPMS AR15 for $479 (a good deal) and a HK P7M8 for $650 (a unbelievable deal) and a nickel Buckmark Micro for $250 (another good deal) and the $700 FN 5.7 pistol a few years ago. I love gun shows!!
Corky's charges $25 these days and is still the same nice guy as always. I keep their business card pinned on the corkboard (no pun) by my computer. They are always quick to fax a FFL and quick to call when a gun ships in.
Fredericksburg has a plethora of very good gun shops and dealers. A great place to live if you're a certified gun nut. Between the shops and the Virginia Gun Trader website... I'm in heaven.