We disagree. Yes, there has always been a "clique" which opposed him, but by and large that did not include the people for whom the 2nd Amendment is of bottom-line importance. Bush is begging them to join the party, though, and for no good reason.
Nor do I think it to be political expediency which would cause Bush to sign this bill. I think it is because he does believe that vetos should not be used for much of anything but for legislation that is outrageously unConstitutional. If this law has been held as constitutional already then it doesn't fall into that catagory.
Bush has known that this was a political landmine waiting to be stepped on since the early days of the primaries. If he chooses to step on it, so be it.
Certainly his enemies will not be converted.
I'm not Bush's enemy, but he might yet try to make one of me. All Bush needs to do to earn my vote is avoid doing this one foolish thing.