Yup, that is the first step. I suspect the Democrats are hoping to scare some militia folks into something violent, which they'd only use to crack down on guns further.
I agree, the left is probably going to struggle with gun bans, so liberal states will go for massive taxation on bullets and magazines.
One thing I think would be effective is for red states with good leadership to make a point of doing the opposite of the what liberal states are doing. And do this with as much media attention as possible. You are already seeing this on the taxation front. Every time California, NY or Illinois talk about raising taxes further, Texas, Louisiana, etc, should move to lower theirs. Red state governors should begin making it a point to attract good people, in addition to good businesses, to their states. So NY tries to tax magazines, VA can move to lower taxes on guns and accessories. Do this publicly with as much fanfare as possible.
“One thing I think would be effective is for red states with good leadership to make a point of doing the opposite of the what liberal states are doing.”
The South Carolina legislature has introduced legislation to arrest federal bureaucrats.