Can't Pick Weird Master

[Squelchtone]

For some reason, I can not seem to pick this master 81 I just got (new old stock).
It is a commercial series, but I have no indication that there are any security pins inside... no counter rotation that I can feel and no signs of spools or serrated.
I posted a photo of the lock here: http://imgur.com/mLCsV0E
Not THAT challenging of a bitting either. One thing that confuses me is the writing. It says "Five T T Pin Tumbler V"
Is this a weird master with security pins inside? Any tips or suggestions? Even telling me what I am dealing with here would be appreciated.

[cheerIO]

I have one of those I can't pick either. The "V" is for the 5 pins.

I don't have any tips. The pins in mine move really stiffly and I can't tell when they are set.

This one and my two really old No: 15's are the only two Masters in my collection I can't pick right now. They both have 5 pins, maybe that has something to do with it.

[lockpickerandrew]

Thanks.
The stiff pins seem the same on mine. They are so stiff the key is hard to pull out. When picking, I either manage to overset or when I try and get one that is a binder it just won't set... it is hard to even figure which one is the binder.
I don't think the five pins make much of a difference, considering most standard five pin tumblers are a piece of cake.

[mseifert]

As far as I know there are no Security pins in this lock .. With some of the Master I have found that you will have to feel and listen for the very slightest click when a pin sets. It is almost so slight that you could think it didn't set. And also pin 1 has a very low cut (probably 1) which you could be over setting, so you may have to go in with a Deforest diamond or something to get around that one.

Hope this helps

[Raymond]

There should be no special pins in that one except maybe one bump-stop pin. One of the features that can make it difficult is the shape of the keyway. Try to use top of keyway turning. A turning tool in the bottom of the keyway will tend to roll over into the way of the pick.

[lockpickerandrew]

Got it!
Took me a while though but now I can open it quick. I can confirm there are no security pins. They do provide very little feedback, and I needed to use a deforest diamond to lift pin 5 a little higher as well as avoid the first pin.

[mseifert]

Glad to hear it !!

[shadowsicle916]

I have one like that, too. I ve got a couple Masters, that I have picked… but very challenging, considering masters are pretty simple. The ones I have are gov. versions. The only lock I am yet to pick is the round storage-unit type… Chalet, I think? Broke a homemade off in it and sat it down.