wanders down a side street. Sheriff Tate hands his rifle to Atticus and tells him to take the shot because it is a "one-shot job." Atticus is reluctant to take the rifle, but Tate insists. Atticus takes the gun, raises the rifle, and shoots Tim Johnson right above his left eye, successfully killing the rabid dog. Mr. Tate smiles and says, "You haven't forgot much, Mr. Finch. They say it never leaves you" (Lee 128). Then, Miss Maudie says, "I saw that, One-Shot Finch!" (Lee 128). After Atticus drives away with Sheriff Tate, Maudie tells the children that Atticus' nickname was "Ol' One-Shot" when he was a boy (Lee 129). Sheriff Tate was obviously aware that Atticus was the best shot in Maycomb and had a reputation for being an expert marksman, which is why he chose to let Atticus take the difficult shot.

In chapter ten of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Tim Johnson, the sick dog, is heading down the street. Atticus Finch encourages Heck Tate, the sheriff, to shoot the dog before he turns down the side street or goes into the Radley’s backyard. Sheriff Tate knows that they only have one chance to shoot the dog without having a bullet stray into the Radley’s house and he feels unsure of himself.

For God's sake, Mr. Finch, look where he is! Miss and you'll go straight into the Radley house! I can't shoot that well and you knowit!

The sheriff asks Atticus to shoot the dog based on his past reputation. Atticus says, “I haven't shot a gun in thirty years-" In the end, Atticus readies the shotgun, takes one shot, and Tim Johnson goes down seemingly before he knows what hit him.