I find my best stuff through sheer...time...
Lots of it WASTED at gun shows, pawn shops, etc.
FOr time put in, they aren't really deals, when you count how many more hours I could have been getting overtime, hehe.
But it IS nice to score a good one.
Also, keep an eye on Wal-Mart, Academy and any other major retailer for clearance sales...
I picked up a savage rimfire for 75 bucks out the door once at a Wal-Mart clearance sale.