The Reluctant Gun Hand — Paul Lederer

Fresh out of prison, a gunman who wants to put the past behind him has no choice but to join a gang of outlaws

There was a time when Jake Worthy wouldn't have been arrested for killing the gambler in the Tucson saloon. The card cheat drew his gun first -- Jake shot only in self-defense. But the West is on its way to being civilized, and the sheriff has no choice but to throw Jake in jail. After six months behind bars, he is released and immediately sets out for home and his sweetheart. His first night on the trail, a bandit shoots Jake's horse and leaves him to die. Stranded in the desert with a bullet in his leg, he starts walking, dreaming of the woman he may never see again.
 
Near exhaustion, Jake is picked up by three riders bristling with guns. They give him food, shelter, and a bandage for his leg. Without their help, he will die, so Jake joins their gang, starting down a path that will lead him right back to prison -- or the grave.