Memory test failure - lost story

Something triggered a memory of a story but I don't remember title or author.
The plot centered around a boy running away from home, probably for the usual reason. In preparing for his journey, he packed his fathers pistol and some ammunition. While traveling, he encounters a gang planning to execute a family for some mistake of one of the family that the others didn't know about. He proceeds to rescue the family by killing the gang members, three or four maybe.

Does this sound familiar to anyone? Do you remember a title or author? Any help is appreciated.