The origin of the death tax was ancient Rome. Nero needed a way to find rebuilding Rome so he levied a death tax. Then nobles across the empire started to die.
For a more recent example, Donald Scott in california had land the government coveted. They were sure that he was growing dope on that prime real estate. So prime that they had the property appraised before they raided the place. He was shot dead and his widow had to sell to the .gov to settle the estate.
A decade ago I won a 457 at a match...couldn’t sell that POS fast enough. About five years ago I gave the S&W1911Sc a try. Then another. Then I switched to M&P pistols for carry. Then I started buying their ARs. More recently bought the MP-15 .22 rifle. (Nothing but fun!) I’ve certainly done my part!
I think the author of the piece nailed it...they’re leaving their core competency.