Abstract: A tubular key and axial pin tumbler lock construciton with an annular keyway wherein the key shank has a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves positioned between the circumferential key cut receiving areas and the lock housing outer periphery of the key entry way is provided with corresponding shaped projections which allow the tubular key containing the grooves to pass into the entry way. The tubular key shank also includes a transverse annular recess spaced inwardly from the forward end of the key such that when the key is inserted to its lock operating position, the key grooves and housing projections are free of one another to allow the key to rotate within the lock.The tubular key construction can be utilized with conventional existing tubular lock constructions and the key grooves and housing entry projections may be varied in shape or locations so that they are combinated to permit only certain or select keys to be used with a certain lock or groupings of locks.