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Gunslingers are still full BAB classes with a d10 hit die and proficiency in all simple and martial weapons. Carry a bow as a backup weapon if you don't feel like wasting the gold that the rounds cost or the time needed for reloading or need something silent. You can also take weapon finesse and use a Rapier in melee.
They still go for touch AC, full Bab, lots of low level baddies die from 1d12+1, 2 goos saves, bonus to AC at level 2. And deeds start at level 1 and more come to at 3. All in all i Think gunslingers are well of from 1-4.
Is it hard to play a low level gun user (1-4 level) and are there ways around their typical low level problems.
No.
Their only problems have been addressed above: use a bow or other weapon if shots are in short supply or you need to be quiet.They are one of the easiest and most effective classes to play at low levels. Barbarian is possibly the only easier one since fighters and other martials have to make feat choices, etc.
Generally all martials do better at 1-4 than spellcasters do from 1-4. Just make sure you're picking up the usual gunslinger feats (Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Reload) and you'll be doing fine. Grab a few special material bullets and a melee weapon like Imbicatus suggested, and you'll be good to go.
Deadly Aim is important to get static damage boost before Gun Training kicks in.
Recommend holding off on Rapid Reload until you can actually shoot twice (and afford a lot of alchemical cartridges or have access to abundant ammunition). Deadly Aim and Precise Shot are more important in those first few levels.
I'm currently playing a level 7 Gunslinger, who started at level 1. I've never had an issue in a fight, and even though I tend to resort to things like brass knuckles, daggers, shortswords, and the stray handy pewter mug and/or bar stool when melee comes knocking, there's never been a point in the game where I've felt under powered or out paced by anyone else in the game.
In fact there are times when I feel a little TOO good at what I do in terms of my role in the game. Like, for instance, when I get a maximum damage crit with my musket. But that's rare. Flashy and amusing, but rare.