I can tell you one thing. I wont be buying a winchester safe and I bet nobody I talk to does either.

Well, Winchester really messed up. Granted a company doesn't want to get a bind providing extra service for everyone with a complaint, the fact is that safes aren't that prone to breaking and the mileage they would have gotten from taking care of this customer would have FAR outweighed the cost or ramifications of not stepping up to the plate on this one.

I had to get a safe myself, and evaluate for the upcoming purchase of 20 safes (not for gun storage). I have been watching this thread closely, and along a host of others in a position to promote their products (not just safes).

I was all set to get a Winchester(s), but as a direct result of this thread I had to reconsider Winchester and electronic keypads in general. Ended up purchasing a Liberty and am very pleased. Since it worked for me, it is what my client is going to purchase for his needs. Too bad, Winchester - you just lost a BIG sale. But they probably don't care, as they sell through retailers. It will be their retailers/dealers who will take it in the shorts.

And I guarantee the government won't be buying any Winchester products in the near future. I wonder if the customer service rep knows how bad he screwed over the direct sales team.

Here is my new Liberty, still on the crate.

Trying to find a lighter side to this story!

Probably would make a heck of a smoker when you finally get it open. Then go get a safe from someone with real customer service or one that has backup keys.....

Been following this ongoing thread to see what the outcome was. I'm buying a new safe within the next few weeks, and I'm no longer considering Winchester as an option. Rather just hide my guns under my bed than put them in a box I can't open. Not impressed with how it was handled by CS. Surprised they just didn't blame it on Bush...

Another sale lost. And I'll post receipt/pics of new safe when I get it if anyone's interested to prove I'm not blowing smoke.

I think all the guys who said they were in the market and will no longer buy a winchester should post pics of your new non-winchester just as John did.

Not for proof to us on here but for winchester just incase they are really following this thread.

I appreciate all the support on here, I never new I would get the response that I've gotten. I have read that response from Winchester many of times. They act like I had something to hide. I beat on the safe every which way I could because they told me they were not going to help in anyway. If they would have said we will help in anyway, I wouldn't have touched it. The safe was great until it wouldn't open, but anyways thanks for the support!

The Locksmith will be back next week. I know a torch or grinder will get it open, I just don't want any sparks hitting the lining inside.