GameObject doesn't execute animation the way it's supposed to until any GameObject in the Hierarchy is selected when in the Play Mode

Reproduction steps:
1. Open the attached “Repro” project
2. Open the “Assets/Scenes/Playground.unity” Scene
3. Enter the Play Mode
4. Use the mouse's scroll wheel to equip the Sidearm (Pistol in the game)
5. Hold right-click on the mouse
6. Observe the Sidearm

Expected result: The Sidearm points towards the crosshair
Actual result: The Sidearm points downwards to the ground

Reproducible with: 2021.3.26f1. 2022.2.21f1, 2023.1.0b18, 2023.2.0a16
Couldn't test with: 2020.3.48f1 (Compatibility issues due to downgrading)

Reproducible on: Windows 10 Pro (22H2)

Notes:

• Selecting any GameObject in the Hierarchy window after entering the Play Mode fixes the issue for the rest of the game time.
• The issue seems to only happen when the Sidearm is ordered after the Knife in the “Player” GameObject’s “Item Handler” Script Component's “Player Items” List