As I was searching for a pistol case, I found the perfect solution in the NANUK-R 909. It’s sized just right for a pistol with or without an optic, and it also fits some accessories. What really sold me, though, was NANUK’s use of post-consumer recycled resin for their NANUK-R cases. It’s got all the features anyone could ask for in a compact pistol case, with the benefit of reducing landfill waste.
NANUK-R 909: Eco-Friendly Without Compromise
NANUK’s range of Eco-Friendly cases shares the same features, durability, and lifetime warranty as their regular line. The difference is that the shell contains at least 95% post-consumer recycled resin. For the 909, the price ($59.95 empty, or $64.95 with cubed foam) was the same as their non-recycled case, making this an easy decision for anyone who cares as much about the environment as they do about their gear. Below is a breakdown of the one keeping my pistols safe on range trips.
First Impressions of the NANUK-R 909
Opening the box, a black case with a low-glare matte finish and a bit of texture greeted me. Its texture isn’t aggressive, yet it offers better grip than a perfectly smooth finish would. The flush-folding handle has a grippy grey insert that adds a bit of contrast. And the sliding locks of the PowerClaw Latching System also have grey inserts. An automatic pressure equalizing valve resides in the space protected by the case handle.
Lifting it up, I was a bit surprised by the light weight as well. On the top is the usual NANUK branding with the R series denoted by a pair of green arrows around the R. Additionally, the model number has white numerals in a green box instead of the usual red. Overall, it’s a good-looking case with a solid feel despite the modest weight.
Specifications & Features
That light weight (just 2.16 lb) is due to the impact-resistant NK-7 resin that the NANUK-R 909 uses for its construction. Everything about the shape, from the varying thickness to the rounded corners, is intended to leverage this material’s strength.
Exterior dimensions are as follows (LxWxH): 12.6″ x 9″ x 4.4″ (321 mm x 229 mm x 111 mm). Inside, it’s 11.4″ x 7″ x 3.7″ (291 mm x 178 mm x 93 mm). That’s an interior volume of 4.8 liters. The base is 2.37″ (60mm) deep, while the lid is 1.31″ (33mm) deep. If you’re measuring, keep in mind that you need to save some room for foam, unless you’re storing something relatively unbreakable inside. Exceeding the temperature range of -20°F (-29°C) to 140°F (60°C) may compromise its structural integrity.
Waterproof and Virtually Indestructible Protection
Popping it open, there is a tall lip on the lower half that fits into a deep groove in the lid. Riding in that groove is a pliable gasket. Combined, the groove and gasket contribute to an IP67 rating. That 6 indicates no solids, down to fine dust, can penetrate the closed case. And the 7 denotes its water protection level. The NANUK-R 909 can withstand being submerged in a meter of water for up to half an hour. Of course, it will float too, unless you exceed its buoyancy rating of 12.9 pounds/5.8 kg.
The interface between the two halves, along with the specific surfaces molded into them, gives the case exceptional rigidity. On the back, the hinges have a lot of surface area, and utilize stainless pins. Recessing the latches on the front provides extra security, while the additional raised material on either side of them provides further impact protection. We were tempted to drive over the case to demonstrate its strength, but it’s already far more durable than most of us will ever need.
About Those PowerClaw Latches…
I remember when cases like this were held tightly shut with latches that required a lot of hand strength to open. You’d use your palm to push down on the latch, and hope that two fingers were enough to pry it back open. Those days are over. To open the NANUK-R 909, simply pull down the slide lock with one finger or your thumb, then lift the latch open. And there may be some camming action to generate extra force while closing. The top of the latch locks into the lid, pulling it shut. Then the bottom half hooks under the lower part of the case.
Requiring two simple but separate actions to open the latches serves multiple purposes. First, it’s very secure. Your case is not going to open by accident. Second, when you want to open it, it doesn’t take a huge amount of effort. If something gets jammed under either the top or bottom half of the latch, it’s still not going to pop open. The only way that is going to happen is if enough force is applied to destroy the latch completely.
Size Matters
I chose the NANUK-R 909 due to the size. It fits nicely in a soft bag, or the folding handle allows you to carry it. So I can stash it in my range bag, backpack, or messenger bag. Or I can toss it in my trunk or the back of my SUV. And it’s ideal for more than just a pistol, magazines, ammo, and a suppressor. A small tablet and other delicate electronics would travel safely in it. For camping, it completely protects your first aid kit, medications, and other necessities from the elements. It’s the Goldilocks of small to medium hard cases.
One of the things I noticed about it is that the cube foam compresses nicely around my reasonably thin firearms. So I don’t need to “pluck” the cubes. This makes it suitable for a wider range of objects. In the included photos, you can see it holds a full size 9mm CZ pistol or an optic-equipped Ruger Mark IV, with plenty of spare room. And I can remove the foam for things that don’t need that level of protection, but do need the dust and water protection.
Is the NANUK-R 909 Worth the Asking Price?
I cross-shopped this case with other well-known brands of similar size, and the pricing is about the same. As far as security and durability, they are equals there as well. Which leaves the recycled materials as the biggest difference. And given the choice, I would take the more environmentally-friendly option every time, even if it costs a small amount more. So I think this case is a big win. It’s a win for the user and a win for Mother Nature. And it’s a win for my gear that doesn’t get damaged in transport.
As always, I’d like to thank NANUK for providing this case for my testing and evaluation. They’ve already got a reputation for quality protective cases, and the Eco-Friendly line builds on that. Check out their full product line on the nanuk.com website.