Need assistance opening my Sentry 1250 safe. I have combination but do I start at 0 and pass the first number then stop 2nd time around at first number then go straight to the other 2 numbers?

Sentry made safes with 3- and 4-number combinations. The pattern is related to the left/right/left but you have to spin the dial more than 360 degrees on some numbers in the combination. The pattern to unlock the safe for the 3- number combination models is: turn the knob to the left so that 0 passes the pointer three times before you stop at the first number. Turn the knob to the right and stop the second time that the pointer aligns with the second number. Then turn the knob to the left again and stop the first time the third number lines up with the pointer.

For the 4-number combination safes, you start turning the knob so that 0 passes the pointer four times before you stop at the first number. Turn the knob to the right and stop the third time the second number aligns with the pointer. Turn the knob to the left again and stop the second time the third number aligns with the pointer. Finally turn the knob to the right and stop the first time the final number aligns with the pointer.

Sentry has the manuals for many of their safes on their support site: https://www.sentrysafe.com/support/product-manuals . The direct link to the manual for the 1310 is currently https://cdn.masterlock.com/sentrysafe/resources/pdf/manuals/Sentry-SLS-Old-Models-Instructions.pdf .

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

A1 Locksmith Google

Locksmiths agree If your safe doesn't have a key, skip Step 3.
Turn the dial to zero.
Insert your sentry safe key and turn it until the plunger pops out.
Turn the dial to the left (counterclockwise) three times to the first number of the combination (pass the first number of your combination two times, stopping on it the third time).
Turn the dial to the right (clockwise) two times to the second number of the combination (pass your second number once, stopping on it the second time).
Turn the dial to the left to the last number (stop the first time on your last number).
Pull the handle down; cracking the Fireproof Sentry Safe open.

Locksmith Instruction manual on how to dial open sentry fire safes.
NOTE: If your safe doesn't have a key, skip Step 3.
Turn the dial to zero.
Insert your sentry safe key and turn it until the plunger pops out.
Turn the dial to the left (counterclockwise) three times to the first number of the combination (pass the first number of your combination two times, stopping on it the third time).
Turn the dial to the right (clockwise) two times to the second number of the combination (pass your second number once, stopping on it the second time).
Turn the dial to the left to the last number (stop the first time on your last number).
Pull the handle down; cracking Sentry Fireproof Safe open.

Locksmiths advise these Opening instructions for sentry fireproof electronic security safes. Insert the tubular sentry key into the lock to the left of the key pad. Turn the key all the way to the right until the plunger pops out. Press the five-digit factory code. The green Proceed light will come on. Pull the handle down; to crack the sentry door open.

sentry safes opening instructions for 4 # combo locks
Turn the dial to zero.
Turn the dial to the left (counterclockwise) four times to the first number of the combination (pass the first number of your combination three times, stopping on it the third time).
Turn the dial to the right (clockwise) three times to the second number of the combination (pass your second number twice, stopping on it the third time).
Turn the dial to the left (counterclockwise) two times to the third number of the combination (pass the third number of your combination one time, stopping on it the second time).
Turn the dial to the right to the last number (stop the first time on your last number).
Pull the handle down to crack the sentry safe open.

Locksmiths advise If your safe doesn't have a key, skip Step 3.
Turn the dial to zero.
Insert your sentry safe key and turn it until the plunger pops out.
Turn the dial to the left (counterclockwise) three times to the first number of the combination (pass the first number of your combination two times, stopping on it the third time).
Turn the dial to the right (clockwise) two times to the second number of the combination (pass your second number once, stopping on it the second time).
Turn the dial to the left to the last number (stop the first time on your last number).
Pull the handle down; cracking sentry safe open.

If you know the combination:

1) Turn the dial to the left a few complete rounds, then stop on 1st number.
2) Turning the dial to the right, pass up the 2nd number once, then stop on it on the next round.
3) Turn the dial to the left directly to the 3rd number then stop.

The handle should open now.

A1 locksmith will tell you.
If your safe doesn't have a key, skip Step 3.
Turn the dial to zero.
Insert your sentry safe key and turn it until the plunger pops out.
Turn the dial to the left (counterclockwise) three times to the first number of the combination (pass the first number of your combination two times, stopping on it the third time).
Turn the dial to the right (clockwise) two times to the second number of the combination (pass your second number once, stopping on it the second time).
Turn the dial to the left to the last number (stop the first time on your last number).
Pull the handle down; cracking sentry safe open.

Lost your sentry safe combination. First, find your safe’s Serial Number. The Serial Number is printed on the small label on the right side of safe ( on paper tag near hinge) or under handle. just note your model # and the serial#. sentry safe lost combination and the opening instructions.

Also make sure you are executing the combination in the right steps... For mine (a three-number combo), these are the steps that work:

* turn the knob to the LEFT, pass 0 at least THREE times and stop at the first combo number
* turn the knob to the RIGHT, pass 0 ONCE and stop at the second comb number
* turn the knob to the LEFT and go directly to the third combo number (do not pass 0, do not collect $200)