I have the luxury of having inherited many guns that were purchased long before there was any reporting or background checks of any kind. No way the government could possibly know I have them. If confiscation becomes a reality, I will just live as a criminal.
Really? Then how do you propose to ever use them, even in "legitimate" self defense? Doing so and getting discovered would immediately make you a criminal in the eyes of the state. One will be looking at major felony time, multiple felonies if you own multiple weapons or large cap mags. Don't think for a second such draconian penalties won't be applied in any new gun control/confiscation laws if passed. They will gladly lock you up and throw away the key on your troublemaker's body!
Also, one must assume eventually someone will rat you out if they suspect you own an illegal weapon - or even if they are not sure but hold a grudge or seek a reward. How many people right now know you own a weapon? Do you safely trust them all?
In the Soviet Union, every neighborhood and apartment block had their own government informants who were everywhere and would turn even their own mother in for a crust of bread, a reward, or favor from the state.
That's where this all is heading.
You just let them know, MY FRiend.