CZ P09F Nocturne First Shots Review

In a market flooded with striker-fired polymer pistols, CZ is doubling down on traditional double-action/single-action performance with the CZ P-09 Nocturne — a full-featured, optics-ready DA/SA handgun that merges old-school control with modern upgrades.

In this episode, we dive into:

• What sets the P-09 Nocturne apart in the polymer pistol space

• The appeal of the DA/SA fire control system, and why many professionals still prefer it for duty and self-defense

• How CZ updated the platform with optic cuts, textured grips, daylight sights, a massive trigger guard, and more

• The Omega trigger system — clean break, but long take-up and reset — and why many shooters "Cajunize" it with aftermarket kits

• A breakdown of the reliability results: early issues in the compact "C" model vs. the rock-solid performance of the full-size "F"

• The pistol’s NATO-spec testing pedigree, giving it real-world durability credentials

• Ambidextrous controls, a 19-round magazine, and carry-style modularity (safety or decocker) out of the box

We also unpack:

• How this pistol balances budget pricing (~$550) with features normally found in higher-tier handguns

• What the .22LR adapter means for low-cost training

• Concerns with magazine seating and early malfunctions — and how they might affect your buying decision

• Why the DA/SA crowd finally has a modern option that doesn’t feel stuck in 1995

Whether you’re a longtime DA/SA shooter, a CZ loyalist, or a striker-fired skeptic looking for an alternative, this episode breaks down everything you need to know about the CZ P-09 Nocturne — and whether it deserves a spot in your safe or holster.