BEST/USN brass padlock info

[escapenrv]

I have been trying to get this old padlock to control with no luck. Going to try impressioning next.
This is a 5 pin padlock. It takes an A key blank. Does anyone know if it ia A2, A3, A4 bitting? Want to use the correct depths before I start I start making brass dust.
Thanks for your help and advice.
Escapenrv

[jeffmoss26]

any code stamped on the core?

[mastersmith]

If you can't identify it go with A2. It is the most common and the odds are with that system. I hope you can narrow it down. Riyame is the resident BEST guhru, you may hit him up for a hint or two.

[Riyame]

I have never seen codes for the US locks anywhere, if there are any out there then they are in private hands from picked and decoded locks.

A2 is the most likely as they were very large systems.

[escapenrv]

any code stamped on the core?

Sorry I left this info out.
U S on core, 093 on removable sleeve.

USN on one side and BEST on the other side of lock

Thanks for the interest...
Escapenrv

[tpark]

Because of the two shear line situation in the BEST padlocks, impressioning doesn't work so well, you'll probably have better luck with a lishi decoder. Sometimes the control sleeve is jammed from years of not being used, so even if you pick to control it can be very stiff.

[escapenrv]

Thanks tpark. The Lishi decoder is my last resort. They work great but I don't have a lot of use for one for BEST. It may come to that one day.

[jeffmoss26]

sorry, no info in my records for 093

[escapenrv]

Thanks for looking Jeff. I'm going to rest it for awhile. Maybe it will behave better next time.
Escapenrv
shots:2, to go: 0