Several of our esteemed congress critters have made no bones about confiscating all guns, if possible. And with the new congress and new executive branch they will be a step closer to achieving their goal. However if they passed a confiscatory law, many people would just ignore it UNLESS there was some FEAR of enforcement. There can only be FEAR of enforcement if the government knows who has the guns. If there was a master database, then people would, for the most part, turn them in out of fear. So here's what I predict will happen.
As many know it is against the law for the government to compile a database of gun owners. They cannot "computerize" the 4473s or even keep a database of previous NICs checks. So over the next congress, they will try to sneak the following measures through.
1) Allow the BATF to create a database of old 4473s. The BATF has a stash of 4473s from defunct dealers. And while they aren't authorized to have a database, I bet they do have the images already scanned (for backup purposes you understand), so that running them through an OCR program would take minimal time. This will create an initial database of firearms.
2) Allow the BATF to keep records on NICs checks.....Oh and include in the NICs check the make, model and serial number being purchased. "Common sense" they'll tell us. Multiple purchases at one time? Multiple NICs checks.
3) Gun Shows..... actually what they're after are private sales. While they may first attack gun shows, the aim will be to record EVERY gun transfer on a 4473. Private sales as well as inheritances, gifts and trades. Any transfer of ownership will fall under the 4473 record keeping.
So after maybe only a year, they'll know where most post-1968 guns are kept.
Which guns won't they know about? Obviously the pre-1968 sales and the private transfers since then. Of course, the law will mandate you "MUST" give BATF information about previous transfers. You can not remain silent. Is that against the 5th amendment? Oh, sorry, the constitution is just an inconvenient restraint according to our future commander in chief.
There are a few post-1968s that will slip through the crack. Records lost or destroyed. Problem is how do you know if YOUR guns are in the database or not? Are you willing to take that chance?
Watch how quickly congress tries to implement these items. All in the name of crime control.
If I were to "protect" any particular guns, it would be those purchased prior to 1968 whether by myself or whether inherited.
Not looking good, so support NRA-ILA, SAF, JFPO and all the other RKBA. Remain ever vigilant and be vocal to your congress critter.