CZ recently released the P-09 Nocturne, the third generation of the P-07/P-09 pistol family. The Nocturne builds on those earlier generations while bringing some added features to the table.
CZ offers two Nocturne models, the full-size P-09 F and the compact P-09 C (the compact version was formerly the P-07). CZ sent me a P-09 F for testing, so the rest of this review addresses that model specifically.
The P-09 evolved ultimately from the classic CZ 75 pistol, a lineage that’s apparent in the new Nocturne. The two pistols are obviously from different generations, debuting nearly 50 years apart, but CZ has retained and updated many features that made the CZ 75 great.
I’ve had the Nocturne on the range several times now, so I have a good handle on what I like about it. And there is a lot to like. Let’s begin with the specs.
CZ P-09 F Nocturne Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 19+1
- Hammer-Fired Single Action/Double Action
- Barrel Length: 4.53 inches
- Overall Length: 8.2 inches
- Width: 1.5 inches
- Height: 5.9 inches
- Weight: 29.2 ounces
- Manual Safety/Decocker
CZ P-09 F Nocturne Features
If you’re familiar with the CZ 75, you’ll recognize many of the P-09 F Nocturne’s features and where they’ve upgraded the originals. Let’s start with the slide.
The Slide
The P-09’s low-profile slide and internal slide rails are direct descendants of the CZ 75. That design provides a somewhat lower bore axis, making the muzzle flip easier to control. The Nocturne’s slide also echoes the earlier gun’s tapering, but it’s more like beveling to aid holstering.
The slide is ultimately flat on top, where you’ll find a milled optic cut. That cut is compatible with compact optics using the Shield RMS and Holosun K footprints without needing a plate. The cut is deep enough that I get a good lower-third co-witness with the iron sights. I always like that.
The dovetailed front and rear night sights are a standard 3-dot affair. The night sights glow faintly in the dark, though I can’t really tell much difference in low light. The left dot’s luminescent coating on my rear sight is also quite apparently cracked, making it far less effective than the other two dots. I think CZ’s quality control should have caught that.
The gun also features prominent front and rear cocking serrations, which are nice with the slide’s low profile. Serrations on the slide’s top front aid the operation even more.
The Grip Frame
The Nocturne’s grip is very similar to the earlier generation P-09 but with more and different texturing. The texture is a bit sandpapery for my tastes, but it sticks in the hand and goes all the way around the grip. CZ provides three interchangeable backstraps, though the already-installed medium-sized version fit my hand quite well. An ample beavertail protects against slide bite.
The undercut trigger guard is large enough for gloved fingers and the squared-off front is textured if you shoot that way. A 3-slot 1913 rail will accommodate a plethora of lights and lasers. We went with a Streamlight TLR-9 since it’s a big gun anyway. But we had to attach it in the furthest back slot to reach it with our trigger fingers. I’d like to see those slots extend a bit further back for more flexibility.
A new addition is the cut outs on the frame’s butt. They help provide purchase for manual extraction should a magazine become stuck during ejection. I didn’t have that issue, but fouling from dirt or debris could cause a problem. I like that feature. The butt also includes a lanyard attachment.
Controls
Probably my favorite thing about the Nocturne is that it gives me options. Nowhere is that more apparent than the controls.
The CZ Omega SA/DA trigger system is a holdover from the previous generation, and why not? It works very well and provides those options I mentioned.
The double action trigger pull is long and consistent. There’s no real wall. Just pull right through to the break. The single action feels almost, but not quite, like a two-stage trigger. There’s a smooth take-up before the trigger stacks, leading to a definite, if not exactly crisp, break. It’s a good, if not great, SA trigger.
But decocking the pistol offers a third option. The decocked trigger feels like a true two-stage trigger with moderate take-up to a definite wall, The break is clean, if a bit heavy since you’re cocking the hammer. This was my favorite trigger mode for the first shot.
The available trigger modes are based on whether you configure your Nocturne with a decocker or a safety only. My test gun shipped with the decocker installed. But CZ also includes a safety-only mechanism that you can swap out in about five minutes. That configuration allows “cocked and locked” carry should you want that.
So, you can have a decocker only, or a safety only. Neither does both. I didn’t swap the levers because I prefer a decocker and don’t like cocked and locked carry. But the choice is yours and I like that CZ provides it.
The slide stop is large and responsive, though I found it a bit further forward than I like. I could use the slimmer backstrap, but that would change the angle on the mag release, which is just about right. That button is also responsive and positive but not ambidextrous or reversible.
Multiple Safeties
We’ve discussed the ambidextrous decocker and safety catches, which are reminiscent of different CZ 75 models. But the Nocturne includes other safety features, too. An inertia firing pin prevents the firing pin from protruding through the slide while the hammer is down. A firing pin safety blocks the firing pin until the trigger is pulled. Finally, the hammer includes a half-cock position that can be engaged manually or by using the decocker.
The P-09 is a very safe handgun. Just remember that you are the ultimate safety mechanism.
The CZ P-09 F Nocturne on the Range
My co-tester and I fired the following ammunition loads over three range trips:
- 115-grain Federal American Eagle FMJ (250 rounds)
- 115-grain Magtech FMJ (100 rounds)
- 124-grain Fiocchi FMJ (50 rounds)
- 124-grain Hornady Critical Defense JHP (20 rounds)
All test ammunition was generously provided by our friends at Ammo-to-Go.
Through 420 rounds, we experienced two failures to eject. One was with the Federal American Eagle and one with the Magtech. Both were within the first 100 rounds. The gun was brand new when we received it, and perhaps needed to be broken in. We had no further issues after those two, but I would need more extensive testing to establish long-term reliability. We fired the Hornady defensive rounds last and had no problems through two partial magazines.
Shootability
The P-09 Nocturne was fun. We both liked it a lot. It’s comfortable and the recoil is very manageable. I like that I can get a high grip relative to the bore and I have that full-size grip frame. The hammer is crisp and responsive with no mushy feel.
My co-tester and I fired the Nocturne in DA, SA, and half-cocked modes. We both agreed that half-cocked was the best way to stage the first shot, at least for us.
Effectively racking the low-profile slide takes a little practice since we’re used to more real estate to grab onto, but the generous serrations helped and we soon got the feel. Adding a Vortex Defender-CCW red dot helped that problem since we both just used the optic housing.
The controls were responsive and easy to use. The decocker does its job and the mag changes were very smooth, aided by the slightly beveled mag well.
The gun shot a little high at 7 and 10 yards with iron sights, but we soon found the correct hold and the gun was accurate. The red dot helped with that too since we could zero it however we liked. We stayed on target through multiple shot strings and transitions.
The 19-round magazine is nice! We only filled it to full capacity a couple of times because our drills usually include mag changes. But with 19+1, this gun feels like it could shoot all day. Almost.
Final Thoughts on the CZ P-09 F Nocturne
This is a nice gun with nice features. I like hammer-fired pistols. Strikers are cool too, but something about a hammer just makes me happy. I like that CZ is smart enough to build on features that made their most iconic handgun great. You see those features in this gun and others in their lineup.
You could carry this gun concealed with the right holster. I’ve carried bigger guns than this, but not often. If you plan to carry the full-sized P-09 F, open carry might be a better choice, or maybe under a coat in the winter. But you do you.
I was disappointed by the problem with the rear sight coating, and I’m still a bit wary about the two malfunctions we experienced. Time will tell on that, and I expect CZ will send me a new rear sight if I ask for one. I’d like to see CZ add a couple more rail slots, but that seems to be a theme across their handgun platforms.
But overall, my co-tester and I like the Nocturne. It’s a solid gun that handles well, shoots well, and is affordable. MSRP on this is in the $550 range, meaning street price will be lower still. These days, that’s a steal from an established, reputable company.
And CZ USA is a good company with an enviable track record. The P-09 F Nocturne seems to continue that legacy, building on a proven design. Maybe check one out for yourself.
