Will Murphy’s $5,000 gun tax pass?

Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) just introduced an amendment that left gun owners stunned. As reported by Scott Witner from The Truth About Guns, Murphy’s proposal would raise the NFA tax stamp on suppressors and short-barreled rifles from the long-standing $200 to a staggering $4,709. The amendment also aims to increase the tax on “Any Other Weapons” (AOWs) from $5 to $55. According to Murphy, this is all in the name of “saving lives.” But many Second Amendment advocates see it as an attack disguised as reform.

The Real Target? H.R.1 and Its Pro-Gun Provisions

Murphy’s move didn’t come out of nowhere. His amendment is a direct reaction to Republican-led reforms in H.R.1, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” This bill included provisions that slashed the NFA tax stamp to zero dollars starting in January 2026. That victory was celebrated by gun rights groups who called it a long-overdue rollback of outdated restrictions. As Witner explains, suppressors were never illegal – they were simply buried under red tape and unnecessary fees since 1934. Removing that burden wasn’t about legalizing anything new. It was about ending a form of financial punishment that mainly affected everyday Americans.

Ben Sanderson: GOA Is Fighting Back

In a powerful breakdown on the Minuteman Moment, Ben Sanderson of Gun Owners of America (GOA) made it clear that they’re not letting this amendment slide. Sanderson says Murphy is trying to sneak his proposal into a military construction and veterans affairs funding bill – a move that violates the Senate’s rule on “germaneness,” which says amendments must be relevant to the bill’s topic. In other words, Murphy’s proposal shouldn’t even be up for a vote. GOA is already working with Senate allies to block the amendment entirely.

Suppressors Aren’t the Problem

One of Murphy’s core arguments is that suppressors pose a public safety threat. But the data doesn’t support that claim. As Witner points out, suppressors are rarely used in crimes and actually help reduce hearing damage at ranges and in hunting situations. Far from being tools for criminals, they’re safety equipment for law-abiding citizens. Still, Murphy insists that legalizing them (which again, isn’t what’s happening) will cause harm. Liberty Doll, a pro-gun YouTuber, notes that this is classic political grandstanding, aimed more at optics than outcomes.

“Adjusting for Inflation” or Taxing Out of Reach?

Murphy says the massive tax hike is meant to “adjust for inflation” based on the original 1934 NFA tax. But Liberty Doll is skeptical. She points out that even doubling or tripling the old tax would have been a hard sell – and this isn’t just a small increase. It’s a jump of more than 2,000%. That’s not a correction for inflation. That’s a calculated move to price people out of exercising their constitutional rights. And it’s not the first time we’ve seen this tactic.

The Long History of Anti-Gun Tax Strategies

Sanderson’s video dives deep into the history of using taxes as a backdoor to gun control. In 1993, Sen. Moynihan proposed a 10,000% tax on hollow-point bullets. In 2018, Rep. Danny Davis introduced a 20% tax on guns and 50% on ammo. Then came Sen. Elizabeth Warren in 2019 with her own 30% gun tax plan. And in 2022, Rep. Don Beyer wanted a 1,000% tax on semi-autos. This latest proposal from Murphy fits right into that same pattern – when outright bans fail, some lawmakers try to price your rights out of existence.

What Are the Chances It Passes?

So, will Murphy’s amendment actually become law? According to Witner, that’s highly unlikely in the current Congress. The Senate is Republican-controlled, and there’s little support for this kind of sweeping tax increase. Liberty Doll also notes that the appropriations bill Murphy is trying to attach the amendment to already passed the House, without it. That makes his chances even slimmer. But many agree: this proposal is less about this bill and more about laying the groundwork for future fights.

Veterans and Due Process Concerns

Murphy didn’t stop with suppressors. He also proposed amendments that would require the VA to report on veterans who die by firearm suicide and to automatically flag certain veterans as prohibited persons – without due process. Liberty Doll says this is extremely troubling, especially since those flagged often just have a fiduciary appointed to manage finances, not because they’re dangerous. These actions threaten to criminalize vulnerable individuals who’ve served their country, all without a fair hearing.

A Glimpse Into the Anti-Gun Playbook

The real danger here isn’t just this one amendment – it’s the strategy behind it. As Sanderson explains, anti-gun lawmakers use every tool they can: sneaky amendments, tax hikes, and emotional appeals that don’t align with facts. The goal? To erode the Second Amendment piece by piece, hoping the public won’t notice until it’s too late. This isn’t just political noise – it’s a roadmap. And if they succeed once, they’ll try again.

A Battle Over More Than Just Taxes

What makes this situation so fascinating is how clear the lines have become. This isn’t just about a dollar amount. It’s about what kind of country we want to live in. Do we believe rights should be affordable to all, or just to the wealthy? A $5,000 suppressor tax may not affect elite collectors or celebrities, but it absolutely crushes working-class shooters, hunters, and veterans. That’s not safety – it’s discrimination wrapped in red tape.

This Is the Time to Pay Attention

Senator Murphy’s proposal might not pass, but it’s a warning shot. Politicians like him are not backing down. Every time the pro-gun community scores a victory, the opposition responds harder and faster. That means supporters of the Second Amendment have to stay involved, informed, and ready to fight back. As Sanderson put it, “The way to ensure that the anti-gunners win is to sit on your hands and do nothing.”

The Fight Isn’t Over

Gun owners have made major progress in recent years. From expanding constitutional carry to rolling back outdated taxes, there’s real momentum. But that momentum has to be protected. With figures like Senator Murphy pushing for extreme tax hikes, it’s clear the battle is far from over. Whether it’s through court challenges, voter pressure, or grassroots advocacy, the pro-2A movement must keep showing up. Because if they don’t, the next $5,000 tax might just become law.