Love Rust , but Terrible at PVP

I really want to get into the game, and i don't want to play on PVE as i like raiding and base defense. Iv tried to find low pop "noob friendly" servers, but we all know they aren't exactly that.. any recommendations besides the obvious "GeT GoOD!!"? I keep getting rolled anywhere i go on the map from full kit PVPers and large groups.. is this game just not for me? I don't exactly want to conclude to that..

Note: i play Duo with another sub-100hr friend.