Ep 5. Moving Targets

In "Hardcore Pawn" season 1 episode 5 titled "Moving Targets," viewers are taken once again to the American Jewelry and Loan shop in Detroit, Michigan. In this episode, the Gold family – Les, Seth, and Ashley – are dealing with a variety of customers who are hoping to pawn or sell their items for cash.

Right from the start of the episode, viewers are introduced to a colorful cast of characters. The first man to come into the shop is looking to sell his 1988 Corvette, and he has quite the attitude towards the staff. Les is quick to shut down his attempts to haggle and reminds him that the shop offers fair market value for items. The man ends up walking out of the store without making a deal, proving that Les isn't going to budge when it comes to his business practices.

Next up, a woman comes in with a set of drumsticks signed by Neil Peart, the drummer for Rush. She's hoping to get enough money to buy a new car, but Les and Seth aren't convinced that the drumsticks are worth as much as she thinks they are. They decide to call in an expert to get a second opinion, and the tension in the store ramps up as they wait for his verdict.

But the drama doesn't stop there. A man comes in with a unique item – a gun that shoots a knock-out punch. He claims that it's a rare collector's item, but Seth and Ashley are skeptical. They test out the punch, which knocks Ashley out in seconds, but Les isn't convinced that it's worth the $5,000 the man is asking for it.

Throughout the episode, viewers are also introduced to some of the shop's regular customers, including a woman who is selling her engagement ring after a break-up and a man who is hoping to pawn his gold chain to pay for his daughter's birthday party. Les and his staff treat each customer with respect, but they also know that they need to protect their bottom line. They offer fair prices, but they also won't take any items that they don't believe they can sell for a profit.

One of the most interesting parts of "Moving Targets" is the behind-the-scenes look that it provides at how a pawn shop operates. Les and his staff have to deal with a lot of difficult customers, but they also have to make sure that they're staying on top of their inventory and managing their finances. They have to deal with counterfeit money, negotiate with customers who are trying to get more than their items are worth, and keep an eye out for potential theft.

But even with all the challenges that come with running a pawn shop, Les and his family are clearly passionate about what they do. They take pride in their work and in the items that they buy and sell. Viewers will leave "Moving Targets" with a newfound appreciation for the art of the deal and a respect for those who work hard to make a living in the pawn industry.