im no expert with locks (i just joined recently too), but if you cant get it open you should keep in mind that their might be a security pin in there, most likely a spool pin. if you dont know what that is you should check out the MIT Guide to Lockpicking thats where i learned

just a question, is there ever a point where you can get it to turn like its opening but it stops and gets stuck? say like 10~15 degree turn?