New Lock for Safe, Have Two S+G Locks to Use

[sign216]

I'm replacing the lock on an old US Navy safe. It has a electro-mechanical Hamilton-Mas X-07 lock, but because of it's age (25+ yrs) they aren't considered reliable anymore. The safe is a standard military two drawer type. Heavy and secure, I use it to store handguns and misc papers.

I've got two Sargent & Greenleaf locks on hand. A 6730 and a 8550. Which should I use?
Although I've worked w simple locks for years, I am new to the sophisticated stuff.

My impression is to use the 6730, because ;
1. That's all the security I really need.
2. If things "go south" and I need to get in, I could ask another forum member/pay locksmith to manipulate it.

However, doesn't the 8550 have a certain "coolness?" I like it's super-security, but I could see it coming to bite me in the ass down the road when I can't get in.

What does the board think?
Joe

[billdeserthills]

The S&G 8550 is manipulation resistant for over 20 hours
the S&G 6730 is manipulation resistant for over 2 hours
I guess it just depends how safe you want to keep your stuff. I have 2 safes with 6730's and two with digital locks, both digitals pre date the little black box, but I know any of them can be opened pretty fast, cause I open safes as part of my work

[sign216]

I can't imagine I'd need the manipulation resistance of the 8550. If a burglar gets into my house, he'll use a brute force attack on the safe.

It appears the manipulation resistance is more for govt counter-espionage purposes, where surreptitious entry/exit are a greater threat. Although aren't electronic locks the new standard for that purpose?
So...mechanical group 1 locks are obsolete? A bygone of older days?

[Raymond]

GSA rules require the S&G 2937 lock on any contained containing firearms, guns or explosives. The 2937 is a more accurate and beefed up 8550. Drilling is exactly the same and combination changing is the same. Electronic locks are required on any container holding valuables or classified materials. Manipulation is easier on the 6730 but still takes time. Most burglars use brute force.

I have seen some cases where the spring on the lever weakens and does not _ the lever properly so this might become a weak point. You can get around it and open the container but it is a nuisance.

I use a 6730 lock with a 2937 dial on my personal safe. Go with the 6730.

[sign216]

I agree, the 6730 is going on it today.

Joe