I expect the Republicans in the Senate to buckle to the upcoming gun control push, not necessarily because they support it, but because they know that Manchin now has the power to end the filibuster and get gun control (which Manchin desperately wants), with or without Republican support (thanks again, Lin Wood).
The Republicans will figure, correctly, that they CANNOT win that battle, so they will (temporarily) save the filibuster for future battles.
Fair enough but...
Also...
Mitch would consider that giving Manchin a chance to pass gun control legislation would make him unpopular with WVirginians and susceptible to a R challenger.
Wheels within wheels...