by zeke79 » 23 Mar 2006 15:42
Just a S&G 831B so its not real rare. A very good lock for even that price, but they can be found cheaper easily. It is nice that this one has 2 operating keys and a control key, but if one can find a lock with just 2 operating keys they usually sell cheaper and one of the operating keys can easily be made into a control key with only a file. This lock is the predecessor to the newer 833 which looks similar but has many unique security upgrades but should not be discussed since the lock is still in service with the US military at this point.
If you have never seen an 831 or 833 disassembled then it may be worth buying one just to see how simplistic the locks are.
For the best book out there on high security locks and their operation, take a look at amazon.com for High-Security Mechanical Locks An Encyclopedic Reference. Written by our very own site member Greyman! A true 5 Star read!!