“Jake, a gun is a tool, not a toy. It is dangerous and you must learn to respect it. I was a sheriff for thirty years. I never drew my gun unless I planned to use it. I never drew first. I was lucky — I was always a little faster. I had to use my gun to protect the citizens of the town. There was always someone that wanted to take something belonging to the townspeople.”
– an excerpt from the book
ARPress is honored to publish “Gunfighter Jake: The Most Unusual Gunfighter the West Has Ever Seen” by William Hagenburg. This book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the ARPress website.
In the wild and untamed days of the Old West, legends were born from grit, gunpowder, and a code of honor that shaped the frontier. Gunfighter Jake: The Most Unusual Gunfighter the West Has Ever Seen by William Hagenburg revisits this rugged landscape through the eyes of a man whose story challenges every stereotype of a gunfighter. More than a tale of showdowns and saloons, this is a story about principle — a portrait of a man who sought peace in a violent world, courage in chaos, and morality in the face of lawlessness.
William Hagenburg, an author deeply rooted in storytelling traditions of the American frontier, brings authenticity and compassion to every scene. Hagenburg’s narrative voice carries the cadence of campfire tales, yet the wisdom of lived experience. His writing transcends the Western genre, offering readers a reflection on honor, forgiveness, and personal conviction.
Gunfighter Jake: The Most Unusual Gunfighter the West Has Ever Seen follows the life of a man who never asked to be a legend. Set against the backdrop of dusty trails, crooked sheriffs, and high-noon showdowns, the story begins with Jake as a young man learning the hard truths of frontier life. Taught early on that a gun must be respected — never glorified — Jake develops a sense of morality that sets him apart. As he travels from town to town, his skill with a revolver becomes both a blessing and a burden. He’s feared by outlaws, respected by lawmen, and misunderstood by many who see only the holster at his side, not the heart behind it.
Through a series of conflicts and encounters, Jake’s journey becomes less about fame and more about redemption. He protects the weak, faces down injustice, and confronts the ghosts of his own past. But every victory comes at a cost, and as the legend of “Gunfighter Jake” spreads, he begins to question whether peace can truly coexist with a reputation built on violence.
At its core, this is a story of redemption. Jake is not a man without flaws — he’s haunted by decisions, humbled by loss, and driven by the belief that good men must still stand for what’s right. His code of conduct, rooted in respect and faith, sets him apart in a lawless world. Through him, Hagenburg delivers a timeless message: that forgiveness, humility, and courage are far stronger weapons than any gun.
For readers who love tales of rugged heroism mixed with moral reflection, this book offers the perfect blend of action and heart. It’s a Western that redefines what it means to be a hero — not by how fast a man draws his gun, but by how firmly he stands for what he believes. Every chapter carries a whisper of redemption, echoing across the plains of time and memory.
Gunfighter Jake: The Most Unusual Gunfighter the West Has Ever Seen is a Western classic in spirit and soul — a gripping tale of justice, conscience, and the courage to do right when the world rides the other way.
“Gunfighter Jake: The Most Unusual Gunfighter the West Has Ever Seen” by William Hagenburg is now available for purchase via ARPress Bookstore: