DOJ is playing both sides of the fence. They need to have the Supreme Court NOT grant cert, and NOT hear the case, so that there is no national, binding ruling on the 2nd Amendment. That would make ALL gun control laws subject to "strict scrutiny", and most of them would be thrown out on challenge. But there are also due process and commerce clause issues here, too, which could SEVERELY hamper the Feds ability to regulate firearms. Plus the nightmare (for the anti's) of the SCOTUS deciding that infantry automatic weapons (not crew-served) have a reasonable relationship to a "well-regulated militia" and are therefore protected for citizen ownership.
On the other hand, they need to make good on a legitimate, historically accurate interpretation of the 2nd amendment, and Ashcroft is doing exactly what his job says... upholding the Constitution.
Personally, I hope the SCOTUS grants cert. Either way, we will get a decision and know where we stand. Hopefully Scalia will prevail.
BTW - the "narrowly tailored" being talked about would apply to violent felons, the mentally incompetent and minors, just as it does now.