Straight Shooter

Many years ago I used to commute to an adjacent town with a coworker. We were about the same age, about thirty. He had a brand new Toyota truck. We shared a ride. He drove his truck to the limit, and I hung on, being belted in place with my feet on the dash. I think that he tried to compensate for his affliction of arthritis. He already walked with a limp. Regrettably I lost touch with him as we each moved on to other jobs.


I remember this because now I am beginning to face a problem somewhat similar to what he had to endure although on a lesser scale. I am right-handed; therefore, my gun is on the right hip. It is a matter of preference. When qualifying, and re-qualifying for the permit I use the right hand primarily, but I am also tested with the left. I guess, if I did not have a left hand, I might have a problem with that.

In law enforcement the political powers need to make sure that we have our shit together. That means, shooting straight and proper when the situation warrants. I have satisfied all that as time went on. Still, I am beginning to have a problem with my right hand. That is bad, for my right hand is my gun hand. Which brings me back to my erstwhile associate with the arthritic hip. It is now many years later, and it appears to be my time.

I have a deeper appreciation of his problem now. I have lived many years without this problem, but now have come to the realization of how these happen to us. I wish that I could go back in time to tell my former associate that I was an ingrate, and did not really realize his plight. Alas, even if he is still there, I cannot do so. I just feel bad about it.

Then there is my gun hand. I am thinking of switching my holster to the left. My left hand is as good as ever, except it may not be as fast as the right. With some practice it should be all right. I just make sure that when I react I will do so with left, instead of right. As far as the aim is concerned, it is straight with either hand.