RE: do you buy online?
I just recently did. Local dealers didn't want to hastle with ordering me a 1911, so I was forced to. Got lucky and found a VERY nice outfit to buy from. Low price was easy to swollow also. Only hastle might be finding a local dealer with an FFL that will want to do business with you. I'm not sure I would buy a used gun, but a new one was no problem. Be sure the seller has a liberal return policy new or used.