House Democrats Resurrect 1000% Gun, Mag Tax Proposal

There are few things that Democrats in Congress can do regarding anti-gun legislation that even raise an eyebrow anymore, but the recent revival of legislation that would levy a 1,000% tax on so-called “assault weapons” and “high-capacity” magazines is turning a few heads.

The legislation, introduced by U.S. Rep. Don Beyer, D-Virginia, with 25 Democrat co-sponsors, is not yet available for review, and it is unknown whether there are any changes from last year’s bill. Language in that legislation put the tax on semi-auto rifles that could accept a detachable magazine and had one of several cosmetic features, as well as magazines that could hold more than 10 rounds. It also would include semi-automatic shotguns with fixed magazines that can hold more than five rounds, which, with the availability of 1.75-inch shells, would take in most sporting shotguns used for hunting and other purposes.

For context, if the measure were passed, an AR-style sporting rifle that now costs $800 would carry a tax bill of $8,000. The resulting cost of $8,800 to own one of the rifles would likely be prohibitive for most Americans.

The tax on normal-capacity magazines that come standard with many semi-automatics would be equally punitive. With the new tax, a common $15 30-round PMag would cost the consumer $165 after taxes.

“I have voted in the past for common-sense gun safety reforms only to see them run aground on Senate Republicans’ filibuster,” Beyer said in announcing the measure last summer. “My bill presents a pathway to bypass that obstruction and enact lifesaving measures. It is essential that Congress take meaningful action to prevent gun violence, and the bill I am putting forward can cut through the gridlock and get it done.”

Breyer’s measure is obviously designed to put guns and magazines that he and other gun-banners find objectionable out of the financial range of American citizens. Fortunately, it’s highly unlikely such a tax could pass constitutional muster if looked at through the new Supreme Court standards set down in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen.

Of course, law enforcement would be exempted from the 1,000% tax, ensuring that the government would be better armed than average Americans. Beyer introduced the same proposal last year, but it never gained traction, despite Democrats having control of the House.