I have an idea
not sure if it would work
but what if u put the graphic in his right hand
spawn a gun on his right hand
then get rid of his item throw in PSA
When you are hurt, you also drop the item, and I think it's hard-coded in, not changeable by PSA.
And if you got rid of item throw, all of your A moves wouldn't work, either (they'd all go to item throw or item shoot and not be directed back).
Not to mention, you wouldn't be able to pick up or use other items.