Maybe he sees this as an opportunity to redeem himself. Maybe he never thought Obama would take things to the disarmament level. Maybe the supreme court is finally spooked- first black president, or not. They are supposed to uphold the constitution. Issuing an EO on the Second Amendment may be pushing his luck.
I wish I could agree with your analysis. Sadly, however, it seems as though Obama-mania has struck all three branches of government and a majority of the American Public. This country is in deep, deep trouble. I do not know how this is all going to end — but it could get ugly.