I've been shot at on three separate occasions. Due to potential innocents behind/beyond my shooters, only one of those incidents was I in a position to return fire. Distance was over 300 yards, with topography open with some low rolling hills. I was on horseback and carrying the Model '94 30-30. Shot came from my right (off side of my horse). I dismounted, my horse now between me and the suspects (2 that I could see). Slid the carbine out of the scabbard, rotated my horse a little so I could peek out from behind her rump and with the lead rope snapped to one of my belt loops so I'd have half a chance to hold onto her if she spooked, I fired one shot. As I could not, with 100% certainty know that it was these 2 that had fired the shot, I aimed about 15 ft. to the left of them. They disappeared for a few seconds, then I saw two subjects on motorcycles traveling away at a good pace.
This happened back in about 1978. I was working for a cattle company that had had rustling problems. I'm thinkin' the fellows who shot at me weren't actually trying to hit me, just scare me away. I don't think it ever occurred to them that someone would shoot back.
I was actually pretty calm; until about 4 or 5 minutes after it was over. Then I started shaking and got a little nauseous.