Gun Of The Week: CZ USA P-09 F Nocturne

In 1975, CZ introduced a steel-frame, hammer-fired, semi-automatic pistol with a double-action/single-action operating system that quickly developed into one of the most popular handguns ever made. Much like the Browning M1911 and the Browning Hi-Power, in subsequent decades, the CZ 75 has attracted legions of fans and inspired many new renditions based on the original design. One such example is the modernized P09 F Nocturne we have on the range today. Watch our video above to see it in use.

The CZ USA P-09 F Nocturne comes to U.S. shores as an optic-ready duty pistol sporting a polymer grip frame. Unlike its steel-frame predecessor, and thanks to recent advancements in handgun design, the P-09 Nocturne series of pistols have modular controls and feature the latest updates to the well-loved P-09 family of guns. You still get that great Omega trigger assembly, and the gun ships with an interchangeable safety lever that allows for “cocked and locked” single-action carry. As configured from the factory, the pistol has a decocker installed that provides a double-action trigger pull for the first shot. A compact version of the Nocturne is also available for those looking for a carry-ready variant.

As for the full-size model here on the range, you’ll get a gun with that classic CZ-75 slide-to-frame design, with the frame overlapping the slide. Combined with the 9 mm chambering CZ provides and 19-round magazines, the Nocturne is a fun and comfortable-to-shoot plinker. Couple all of that with the provision for Shield-footprint optics on the slide, and you’ve got a capable platform for all folks to enjoy. A set of interchangeable backstraps makes this pistol even more customizable for folks with different hand sizes.

On the range here with this latest CZ, our testers found the gun pleasing to shoot and remarked about its versatility. The improved slide stop is a nice touch over previous versions, and the fact you get a great trigger and set of sights right out of the box, it makes the first range visit that much more enjoyable. Formal testing revealed the Nocturne can produce 25-yard groups measuring under 1.5 inches, which is a testament to the well-built, cold hammer-forged barrel. And considering its price point, we found this is one gun that’s hard to resist.

CZ USA P-09 F Nocturne Specifications
Manufacturer: CZ USA
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Barrel: 4.5" cold-hammer-forged steel
Frame: fiberglass-reinforced polymer
Slide: steel; black nitride finish
Magazine: 19-round detachable box
Sights: drift-adjustable; photo-luminescent, three-dot; post front, notch rear; Shield optics cut
Trigger: double-action; 10-lb., 8-oz. pull; single-action, 4-lb., 4-oz. pull
Overall Length: 8.13"
Height: 5.88"
Width: 1.32"
Weight: 29.6 ozs.
MSRP: $579