Dave,
I don't think you've missed much. Internet sales are usually on the high side (though not always). Your best education is too go to shows and shoots so you can handle guns. Pictures on the net don't really provide much information and can make things look better than they are, as well as hide defects that you'll easily see with gun in hand.
Keep asking questions each time you handle a gun you like. If there's a rule of thumb out there, it's probably that a dealer must recoup a minimum of 35% on inventory investment. Some dealers and private sellers on the internet however will go for 100% profit which puts their product way over fair market. Bottom line will always be what's it worth to you. Some guns bring a premium based on condition, some based on desire. Only experience will help you know the difference.
btw - if the Fox seller was offended, you should ask him why he just didn't list the gun at $995 to begin with if that's his bottom dollar and stop playing games. Too many sellers cry about "tire kickers" wasting their time when in fact it's them who waste your time with unreasonable expectations...or perhaps they're just trying to find the next "sucker" in line.
Remember one thing. If it's a piece of junk today, it will still be junk tomorrow. Only condition will provide an increase in value in the long run.
