I have been watching this thread regularly as I purchased a new Sentry safe at the first of the year. I have never had a problem, even with the old mechanical safe I owned for 20+ years, but that video that shows the combination being reset really disturbs me. My skeleton key works so I have removed the batteries and use only the key until I figure a way to prevent the code being messed with. I do not want to hijack this thread but if someone has already prevented it please PM me. Don

The part in the video where they stick battery direct to the plug via two leads stuck in the plug and open it doesn't work on my safe. I tried it.

Like I said earlier, screw the batteries. Get a DC power supply that puts out 10 - 12 volts and connect that straight to the leads that normally go to the battery.

This is overkill, but it will give you an idea of what I'm talking about. If it is a problem with a "weak" battery, this will fix it.

DC Power Supply

They make cheaper ones too that aren't as fancy. Check your local electronics shop.

Wow, what a nightmare. Just read this whole thread and I don't have anything else to try. I just wanted to commiserate with you!

I'm just glad I have 11 years worth of warranty on my Winchesters lock.

After reading this entire thread I am stirring clear of electronic safes.

Maybe these links will help just in case you are missing a step.

http://winchestersafes.com/faq.aspx

http://winchestersafes.com/ownersmanual.aspx

http://winchestersafes.com/

Frequently Asked Questions

1 - I lost the combination or keys to my safe. What do I do?
For your protection, the most important aspect of this process is for us to verify the true ownership of the safe. Please go to the COMBINATION/KEY REQUEST section of this website and follow the instructions. Once completed, fax or mail the forms to us for processing, there is a $25.00 charge for this service.

2 - What kind of battery do I use in my electronic lock?
High security electronic safe locks are very sensitive to battery power. All of our safe locks require a 9-volt ALKALINE ENERGIZER® or DURACELL®. Most likely, your lock will not operate properly if a battery other than this is used.

3 - What do I do if my electronic lock drains my battery quickly?
If the correct battery is installed (9-volt ALKALINE ENERGIZER® or DURACELL®), the battery should last about six (6) months with normal operation. If your battery fails within a week, contact our Technical Service Department at 877-948-6723 (877-9GUNSAFE).

4 - How do I replace the battery in my electronic lock?
Click on the link BATTERY INSTALLATION and select your electronic lock and follow the instructions. Make sure you use only a 9-volt ALKALINE ENERGIZER® or DURACELL® battery.

5 - If my battery goes dead, will I lose my combination?
No, you will not lose your combination. The combination is retained in the lock even after power is lost. Simply install a new battery and operate the lock in a normal manner. Make sure you only use a 9-volt ALKALINE ENERGIZER® or DURACELL® battery.

6 - How do I change the combination in my electronic lock?
Click on the link LOCK INSTRUCTIONS and select your electronic lock. Select the lock that is installed on your safe and follow the instructions to change your combination.

7 - Can I change the combination in the mechanical (dial) lock?
No, you cannot change the combination. High security mechanical locks require special tools and lock expertise to change the combination. Please contact a licensed Safe Technician in your area and they will change your combination for a nominal fee.

8 - I enter my code in the electronic lock and I get 5 “beeps”, and the lock will not open.
The 5 “beeps” indicates that the lock does not recognize the code you entered as being valid. Verify your code and enter it again. If the lock still does not open, please go to the COMBINATION/KEY REQUEST section of this website, and follow the instructions. Once completed, fax or mail the forms to us for processing, there is a $25.00 charge for this service.

9 - I enter my code in the electronic lock and I get 2 “beeps” and safe will not open. I enter it again, and get 2 “beeps” and safe is locked out.
2 “beeps” in succession is consistent with the lock not recognizing your code and the safe is locked out. Please contact our Technical Service Department for assistance at
877-948-6723 (877-9GUNSAFE).

You can get a safe with a keypad and skeleton key.

Thats why electronic guns were never popular. Tasers excepted.

Have ya got it open yet?

man that really sucks let us know come hunting season it will get open

C-4

Welder might be cheaper than locksmith.
torch the bottom or back , re -weld , send the bill to
Winchester.

Mo

update? Hope you got it open.

It's still not open, I have a locksmith lined up to drill it out I just don't have a ton of extra money laying around right now.

best of luck

Man if you could bring the safe to my place (Baytown) I would help out. I have a torch, power supply, bandsaw, plasma cutter, pry bars, etc. Good luck.

Are you still locked out?

Wow after reading this entire thread it's really helped me when it comes down to buying a large safe.

I was in Tractor Supply yesterday and a couple of guys were looking at a Winchester safe, I advised them to make sure to get a keypad safe that has a keyed back up.

This is a pretty amazing thread in that Winchester will not make good on the safe and be done with it. I sold Ft. Knox safes for years and problems were rare but they always said that they would even replace the safe if it went through a fire or burglars beat the crap out of it. Winchester should look at warranties like Dillon's "No B.S." warranty. I'm thinking Winchester dropped the ball on this one big time but they apparently don't care about the bad press they are getting. Good luck, Coot and do let us know how you come out in this mess.

Any updates?

did you give up?

I agree. I've been in the market for a bigger safe for some time now...this thread singlehandedly steered me clear of Winchester safes.

I have a Ft. Knox I bought several years ago. Was kinda kicking myself for not getting the electronic keypad but this thread changed my mind.....

Sorry about all this.