NJ Laws are simple when it comes to guns: You are NOT allowed to do/own anything unless the law specifically says you can. Its done through Exemptions to the law.
So, in NJ, you are only allowed to possess a firearm in your home, at at shooting range, at a gun store, or at a repair shop. You are only allowed to travel between any of those two places by travelling in a direct route without substantial deviation. Apparently, the person in question kept the guns in his car for several weeks. Clearly a violation of NJ law.
With that said, as a former NJ resident - The laws are TOTAL CRAP!!!! That's why I got the hell out of there before I became the next poster child for "Gun Crime". But the law is the law and the courts enforce the will of the legislature.
He got several years for illegal possession (having the guns in his car), a couple more for possession of a mag that holds greater than 15 rounds (illegal in NJ no if, ands, or buts) and possession of hollow point bullets, which are legal to own at the range, home, etc, but illegal to possess in a crime. You can get several years for EACH bullet if they want to! He only got a few extra for those. Add it all up and it comes to 7 years.
When the passed the AW ban in 1991, a few years later they convicted and upheld on appeal a 5-year sentance for possession of an unregistered Marlin Model 60 .22 cal rifle. It has a tube magazine and although its designed for 22 LR cartridges, it can hold more than 15 .22 Shorts. So into the slammer for 5 years he went. Ironically, he DID register all his NJ Assault Weapons when the law was passed but never even gave the Marlin a second thought. The courts ruled "The NJ resident is at their peril when it comes to understanding and complying with gun laws".
Glad to be here!!
-Mike