I too would recommend going to rod - especially if you have some time to order. While I've not bought with him, I have met the guy and he is one hell of a lot more pleasant to deal with than my other choices...also, he has quoted me prices n several guns which were ALWAYS better than or competitive with anybody else.
Having said that, I've bought guns from scheels (3), cabelas (1) and guns unlimited (3)... At GU their prices are generally as good or better ha the next place - better in the cases of my purchases- but until recently their customer service was absolutely reprehensible...the first 2 guns I bought form there were great prices accompanied by total a**hole salespeople...I have had at least 2 good friends that have had the same experiences (the bad ones) - one even calls the place 'guns unfriendly as a rule'...
BUT to their credit, the last three times I have been in, including my most recent purchase, it has been totally different- I have been helped by different people than prior and maybe that is why, but my last buy there went great and the salesman was a very cordial and down to earth guy.
I will definitely be back there - especially given my recent experiences - and if nothing else for ammunition and their selection which is about the best in town, but a word of caution...
At scheels, there is this one guy who is a total douche..Eric, maybe? The other guys have been awesome and always helpful in my experience.
Cabelas? I dunno - seems like their prices are higher as a rule (as in every time I have price checked them) - for example, befor ei bought my pps mchecked them...they wanted $700 bones for one and that was waaaay before all this mess. i ended up getting it for 550 NIB online - and they are constantly understaffed at the gun counter...