By R.K. Campbell | Contributing Editor
CZ recently introduced a new version of the proven CZ P09 pistol, which is a major upgrade of a proven handgun.
The P 09 is a polymer frame pistol but different than most in that the P 09 is a double-action first shot hammer-fired pistol.
There is still room for the DA pistol in personal defense. Some prefer the type as we will discuss later. As for the moniker, Nocturne from the French ‘of the night’ is generally applied to musical pieces. This type of composition is intended for an evening party. This is not quite a serenade so, as a pistol is often carried at night and many defensive actions occur in dim light the high capacity 9mm just might fill the bill in this regard. The P 09 action remains unchanged in the Nocturne although the double action pull seems shorter and smoother than most CZ handguns in my recollection.
This new pistol is optics ready. It is an important option in today’s world. The sights are CZ’s unique self-luminous but not tritium types. They are great for daylight shooting and work well in dim light – similar to fiber optics—but they are not tritium sights. The pistol features a new look with improved grip texture. The balance of adhesion and abrasion is good.
Certain areas of the frame not previously covered with a roughened texture now offer a finger rest. The pistol is improved with removeable grip inserts. This is an improvement that cannot be overstated, considering the many hand sizes among the shooting public. Polymer technology allows the manufacture of a frame that is lighter and more economical than a metal frame. The polymer frame P 09 has been proven reliable and durable in extensive testing. The Nocturne should be at least as reliable and a better performer.
The sights are high contrast and proved an aid in both rapid fire and absolute accuracy drills.
The slide features forward cocking serrations including serrations on top of the slide behind the front sight. They could be used by the palm especially if you are wearing gloves. The skeletonized hammer features redesigned serrations for easier cocking, and the P 09 is the easiest of P series pistols to rack. The slide of the CZ 75 and later variants rides deep in the slide riding reversed slide rails. While this makes for excellent contact and enhances accuracy the slide is sometimes more difficult to rack. Not so with the nicely designed cocking serrations of the Nocturne. There are roughened patches on the frame to lay the finger during tactical movement proved useful. The slide stop is large enough to execute speed loads rapidly. The default set up is a handy decocker.
The manual of arms is: lock the slide to the rear, insert a loaded magazine, drop the slide to load, and actuate the decocker to safely lower the hammer to rest.
To fire the first shot, a long press of the trigger cocks and drops the hammer. After that first shot, subsequent shots are fired single action as the slide cocks. The SA/DA Omega action allows the changing out of the decocker for a manual safety. Replacing the decocker, this safety offers cocked and locked carry if desired.
In my opinion the manual safety is most useful in tactical movement. If you deploy the pistol as a double action first shot handgun as most of us will with the manual safety you need not decock the handgun for safety during movement. Simply place the pistol on safe as you move. This is superior to decocking the pistol and going through a long double action press again. With the Omega action you have the choice.
I made a comparison list of the Nocturne’s new features. It features additional texturing on the frame, an optics ready interface, superior cocking serrations, the controls are more easily manipulated than the original, and the sights are improved. The OMEGA action is retained, which is good, and the CZ first quality barrel and fitting remain. This pistol is well suited to the primary role of any handgun personal defense. It comes in a lockable hard box with two 15 round magazines, a lock, grip inserts and the Omega manual safety. The pistol is well appointed and sturdy enough for service use.
Firing Tests
The pistol was lubricated along the bearing surfaces and barrel hood prior to firing. The primary ammunition used in this firing test was 115 grain FMJ from Remington, Blazer and American Eagle. I fired at man-sized targets at 5 and 7 yards in the initial test, first firing in the double action first shot mode in some of the 5 yard testing.
By concentrating on the front sight and rocking the hammer to the rear smoothly good hits were made at this range. You cannot leave a DA first shot handgun in the safe for a year and expect to be able to fire it well it demands regular practice. In the single action mode the pistol is as accurate as any 1911 9mm or Hi Power type handgun- perhaps more than most.
Control is good. The pistol is tractable moving quickly between targets. The single action trigger press is sharper than a striker fired pistol. The tradeoff is the long DA first shot.
Absolute Accuracy
Firing from a solid bench rest firing position I fired three loads of proven accuracy. I took my time and controlled the accuracy for best results. The pistol proved to be more than accurate enough for personal defense.
Load 25 yard group, 5 shots
Federal 115 grain Syntech 2.5 inch
Federal 124 grain HST 1.75 inch
Speer 124 grain Gold Dot +P 2.25 inch
Some of us concentrate on tactical performance above all else and that isn’t a bad thing. But in home defense and concealed carry heft balance safety and handling are important.
The CZ Nocturne is a great handling pistol with good balance. The double action first shot allows many options. The pistol may be kept at home ready safely. (Safety is really behind the ears but a long DA first shot is a safety feature.) The pistol may be simply thrust in the belt if necessary, something I would not feel comfortable doing with a cocked and locked 1911 or a striker fired pistol. You should use a holster! If you prefer the CZ P 09 Nocturne and its Omega trigger offer the option of a manual safety set up that some will find superior.
I like the Nocturne 9mm. The pistol builds on proven technology and tactical doctrine. While it isn’t for everyone the Nocturne strikes the right chord for many of us.
Carrying the P 09 Nocturne
The pistol fits some leather Glock 19 holsters but not tightly molded Kydex. I am not a fan of mismatching application, however, the Nocturne went smoothly into a Bullard Leather (Bullardleather.com) inside the waistband holster molded for the FN 509. This is a lightweight and concealable combination well suited to personal defense.
SPECIFICATIONS:
CZ P 09 Nocturne Compact 9mm
Caliber: 9mm
Magazine capacity: 15
Action Type: Double action first shot
Barrel Length: 3.74 in.
Frame material: Polymer
Width: 1.4 inch
Height: 5.4 inch
Overall Length: 7.3 inches
Weight Unloaded: 25.1 ounces
Average Price $549.00
CZ-USA.com
