Since this is Sci Fi, what about the Space Aliens and phaser guns, force shields, and proton blasters. And of course, unlimited wealth. Got to ask, why anyone with unlimited wealth is going to be a poorly paid Sheriff in a time without medical or dental, or even, anti biotics!. One little bullet hole and death from infection is real. People died from scratches from rose bushes.
So, to inject some realism, I am looking at my 1902 Sears Catalog.
The cheapest LC Smith Shotgun is $27.75, "3 blade Damascus barrel" for $54.00, and the High Grade $67.50.
The really cheap single barrel shotguns are $4.90 to $5.95, a Remington single barrel is $7.50.
A Marlin 1894 rund $10.00 to $11.25, the largest cartridge available is the 44-40.
A Winchester M1892, $11.20 to $12.50. Same price for an 1894. An M1895 lever action is $17.82 and it is in 30-40 Krag. (30 US Army)
Pistols are expensive. A plain, jane Colt Peacemaker, $13.20 though for $5.35 more, you can buy pearl handle stocks. Mind you, I have set a Sheriff's weekly wage at $7.70, so pearl handle grips are not cheap. The New Service is $15.40. A 44 caliber S&W Frontier double action is $14.50. A S&W double action in 38 something (probably 38 S&W) is $12.75.
Maybe you expect Cowtowns to provide the Sheriff with an arsenal like this,
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But don't count on it. These rural entities, if they had a Fire Department, it was volunteer. If the Sheriff got $7.50 a week, that was probably good pay. Do you realize that small towns in 1905, did not have air conditioning, central heating, refrigerators, gas or electric stoves, electric lighting, running water, or hot showers. You would smell like a Billy Goat. Maybe you could live with the smell, but what about no cell phones? Imagine a world without cell phones, what an unbelievable Hell! People today actually have panic attacks if they are separated from their cell phone for more than 15 minutes. It is one thing to dream of going back with more armaments than a period Dreadnought, but, I don't think moderns would actually like living back then.
I would rather go to that future world where Captain Kirk lands on the world of hot, blue, amorous women.
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