Rick Wershe is a struggling single father living in 1980s Detroit during the height of the crack epidemic and war on drugs. His dissatisfied daughter, Dawn, leaves their home, leaving Rick alone with his son, Ricky. Rick manufactures gun parts and sells guns illegally to make ends meet. He involves his son in a sale of silenced AK-47s with local gangster, Johnny Curry. Ricky forms a bond with Johnny's son, Boo. The two become good friends which earns the favor of Johnny and his crew.