Yes, but as I understand it, if it is found that an unlawful transfer occurred and was integral to another major crime, the law could be enforced. You are correct that the law will not be enforced as a stand alone charge.  For example, if the idiot who recently shot up the 7-11 on campus was found to have received the gun illegally, those charges would more than likely be filed on both parties to the transaction. That is much different than investigating an illegal transfer based on a tip, when no other crime was committed.