If you’re a fan of the CZ P-07/09 model pistols, you’ll want to check out the all-new P-09 C Nocturne. It retains the key features of the original design, with upgrades made to keep up with the market demand. This double-action/single-action pistol was one of the flattest shooting polymer-framed guns I have shot in the last few months and one of the most accurate. I had the opportunity to do a hands-on review of the CZ P-09 Compact Nocturne pistol and see the new features for myself.
What’s New in the CZ P-09 C Nocturne
New Texture and On New Areas
The texture pattern was upgraded with a new design and, more importantly, better traction. It doesn’t feel as noticeable when carrying it on your body. However, when you grip the gun to shoot, it helps keep it in your hand.
CZ also added texture to the grip in new areas. The texture on the frame’s side indicates where your support hand thumb should rest when gripping the gun. This texture is on both sides for ambidextrous use.
Finally, the texture extends onto the magazine base pads. So, if you ever need to remove the magazine manually, you can get a good grip on both sides of it to pull downward.
New Sights Plus an Optics-Ready Slide
The CZ Nocturne has much better stock sights than previous models. This gun comes outfitted with luminescent three-dot iron sights for better contrast.
The most significant upgrade on the new Nocturne pistols is the optics-ready interface. With more gun owners demanding red-dot optic-compatible pistols, manufacturers must make their guns optic-ready from the factory. Not only can you mount a red dot to this pistol, but you also don’t need an optic plate. It is set up with the Shield RMS and Holosun K footprints.
Improved Ergonomics
The CZ P-09 Nocturne pistols have improved ergonomics to make manipulating the functions more manageable than the previous models. Likewise, the slide-stop design is slightly different to make hitting it with your thumb easier. The de-cocker and manual safety was also upgraded.
Features You Can Rely On
The features you know and love from the CZ P-07 & P-09 carried over into the new Nocturne design.
Omega SA/DA Trigger Mechanism
I don’t shoot a lot of double-action pistols. So, getting to test fire this trigger in double-action-only mode was a lot of fun. I was afraid I would jerk the trigger or not roll through a continuous trigger pull. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how smooth and generous the double-action trigger was on this pistol.
Likewise, I didn’t have any issues making a clean, continuous trigger pull from start to finish. Nor did I find myself jerking the trigger.
1913 Rail
A rail is a necessity for pistols made for concealed carry. I consider it non-negotiable from manufacturers. The compact Nocturns is set up with a MIL-STD-1913 rail for mounting a quality light to the gun.
I recommend mounting a Streamlight or Surefire light if you plan to use this gun as a self-defense or home-defense weapon. Just be sure to order a holster compatible with the light you choose.
Interchangeable Backstraps
The CZ P-09 Compact Nocturne pistol has three sizes of interchangeable backstraps that can be used to set the gun up to your hand size. The new texture is also worked into the backstraps to give you the ultimate grip on the gun.
Reliability
CZ is known for making reliable carry and competition pistols. The new Nocturne is made to run reliably with different types of ammunition, unlike some pistols that can be picky about what ammo they cycle.
This is an important factor for me when I pick out a carry or competition pistol. I do not want a gun that is limited in what it will feed or eject. This is especially true with hollow-point defensive ammo.
Hollow point bullets are designed to expand, so they are cut and shaped to do the job. Full metal jackets have a much easier job of cycling because of the round shape vs. a hollow point, which can perform differently in various guns.
Ammunition Performance
The CZ P-09 Compact Nocturne pistol ran full metal jackets without a hiccup. While it was fun to shoot 50 rounds through the gun at the start, I wanted to put this pistol to the actual test.
The best group out of this pistol was from the Federal Punch ammunition line. This ammo reliably fed into the chamber and ejected well.
The following ammo I shot was the LeHigh Defense 90-grain bullets shaped like aggressive X’s. When you look at this ammo, it’s hard not to expect the bullet tip to have issues feeding into the barrel and chamber. It’s a unique design, and running over 1300 feet per second, they have a lot of stopping energy.
The Nocturne was flawless in running this ammunition, and every pistol I have tested with the LeHigh defense has also run it.
The Sierra and Hornady ammunition grouped almost as tight and had nearly the same velocities. Shot groups on target prove CZ has nailed the cold hammer forged barrel design in its line of handguns.
Final Thoughts
I thought I would struggle with the double-action trigger mechanism, and I have to say I’m still surprised at how easily it shot. This is a great carry gun option because of its compact design and capacity of 15 rounds. It’s easy to conceal for most body types in good-quality holsters.
The MSRP price of $549.00 makes it even sweeter. That is a typical budget price for people wanting an affordable carry pistol. I think both the Nocturne compact and full-size pistols were upgraded well.
For more information, please visit CZ-USA.com.
CZ P-09 C Nocturne Specs
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Barrel Length | 3.74 inches |
| Frame | Fiberglass-reinforced polymer |
| Trigger Mechanism | Double Action/Single Action |
| Sights | Luminescent iron sights, optic-ready |
| Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Width | 1.5 inches |
| Height | 5.4 inches |
| Overall Length | 7.3 inches |
| Weight | 26.1 ounces |
| Safety | Manual safety/de-cocker, Safety notch (on hammer), firing pin block |
| MSRP | $549.00 |
Performance
| Sierra THD 124 grain JHP | |
| Average Velocity (5 Shot Average using the Garmin Chronograph) in Feet Per Second | 1112 |
| Accuracy (5 Shot Group 15 Yards) in Inches | 0.916 |
| Hornady Critical Defense 115 grain FTX | |
| Average Velocity (5 Shot Average using the Garmin Chronograph) in Feet Per Second | 1107 |
| Accuracy (5 Shot Group 15 Yards) in Inches | 1.006 |
| Federal Punch 124 grain JHP | |
| Average Velocity (5 Shot Average using the Garmin Chronograph) in Feet Per Second | 1154 |
| Accuracy (5 Shot Group 15 Yards) in Inches | 0.622 |
| LeHigh Defense 90 grain XD | |
| Average Velocity (5 Shot Average using the Garmin Chronograph) in Feet Per Second | 1316 |
| Accuracy (5 Shot Group 15 Yards) in Inches | 0.729 |
