I've bought one 'new' gun in the past several years. I decided a new Ruger .22 long rifle auto pistol (the .22/45 polymer frame with aluminum upper) looked like it wanted to come home with me. New guns bore me silly.
I have purchased a number of 'old' (no longer current production) pistols in the last ten years. Mostly 'Art Deco' period .32 ACP or 7.65mm pistols. I also have a deep appreciation for 'real' Smith & Wesson revolvers and Government Model/1911(a1) pistols without the Divinely cursed firing pin safety abomination. And Ruger three screw single actions and the 'Six' series of revolvers.
When I go into a new (to me) gun shop, I ask the location of the used or 'old' gun section. If they tell me they only have 'new' guns, I smile sweetly (a relative term if one knows my appearance) and say, "Well, that leaves me out, then; thanks anyway." and depart. All the places that know me usually point me to any new 'old' acquisitions.
There's a local place with a salesman who doesn't even speak, he just opens the case and pulls out what he expects me to like. He's usually right.
So far, I haven't invested in a C & R license, so I haven't had any dealings on that basis. I do have a signed copy of a local FFL dealer who likes me. Finding something out of state is not a serious difficulty. Being an old man and be able to fake 'respectability' has value.