Perhaps bravery of frontier Marshall explained thusly. After visit to soiled dove infested with insects, unwashed, tubercular,syphilitic, doubtless given over to ravages of demon rum and laudanum, gunfire probably not too hard to face.
Ginger, you're getting some really good advice here. That's why I love these forums. In your real world, you'll do well to tell as few people as possible about your guns--they are at the same time full of good and evil! But here, you can--as these posters have--talk freely about it and get and give wise counsel.
Buy as much gun as you possibly can handle comfortably. Firing ranges are good places to explore different weapons. Once you decide on a model, keep it clean and in good working order. And pray that you never have to use it. But if you do, be decisive and confident. And accurate.
If humble detective may offer own worthless advice. Many years experience interviewing deceased persons and arresting person who made them so, leave ancient detective with following thoughts. will now share.
1) If needing to go to location where gun needed. Do not go.
2) Many people shot accidently by person with inadequate knowledge of firearm. Rest are accidentally shot by esperts.
3) In any confrontation, if gun is option is on table, gun option will be considered.
4) If confronted by violence, run away, but not in straight line, it will make you easier to shoot.
5) Never run toward sound of gunfire.