Did you know New Jersey classifies the legendary M1 Carbine as an assault weapon and that it’s illegal to own one in that state? Danny Burt learned the hard way.

When he inherited a gun collection from his grandfather, a WWII veteran, he was shocked when the entire collection was impounded by the New Jersey State Police. Burt was able to get back all but one of his guns–the M1 Carbine, which the police decided was too dangerous for any citizen to safely own.

Burt took the issue to court, but his appeal was denied because the M1 Carbine fits the state’s legal definition of an assault weapon.

“Burt claimed the rifle had considerable sentimental value to him, and that he had no knowledge as to whether the gun was operable,” court documents say.

Regardless of its value to him, the court maintained that it was illegal for Burt to own the gun. His firearms purchaser’s identification card was also taken away, making it impossible for Burt to buy or own any more guns in the state.