The world of polymer-frame handguns is massive and grows yearly. The polymer frame rules. Whenever someone makes a metal-frame pistol, it’s an event because it’s so uncommon. In the world of polymer-frame pistols, the Glock series rules. They’ve been challenged by the big guys like SIG and Smith & Wesson, but Glock still holds the position of supremacy. The vast majority of Glock’s competitors simply copied Glock’s success.
Make it a polymer frame, make it striker-fired, and ensure it’s in 9mm. One of the very few guns that challenge Glock and do something different is the CZ P09. I like the CZ P09 and think it’s the superior option! Why? Well, I’ve got a few reasons why I think it’s better than the Glock 17, as well as because it’s largely underrated and underappreciated.
DA/SA Action!
This first one is most certainly purely opinion-based. A striker-fired system presents one consistent trigger pull that’s fairly light and comfortable. However, I prefer the double action/single action (DA/SA) of the hammer-fired CZ P09. CZ built their pistols on the hammer-fired design, and it’s been at the core of their most successful pistols.
A DA/SA trigger system gives you a longer, heavier trigger pull for the first shot and a shorter, lighter pull for subsequent shots. The longer double-action trigger ensures the first shot is purposeful and reduces some human error. For me, the main benefit comes down to carry. I can place my thumb over the hammer and always be aware of trigger movement when re-holstering.
On the fly, I can use a crisper, lighter single-action design that’s typically superior to a striker-fired system. It’s easy to cock the hammer or just rely on the system after the first shot is fired. DA/SA is my favorite action type for a handgun, so let’s restate that this is most certainly a very opinion-based point.
One of the big benefits of the P09’s design is the ability to swap between a decocker and safety. Users can swap between the two options with ease and carry cocked and locked or just decock the gun on demand.
Better Sights
Glock sights suck. I’m sure most Glock users will agree. It’s the most common upgrade Glock owners make and was the first thing I did with my first Glock 17. Glock’s stock sights are plastic, fairly cheap, and easy to break. The sight picture is fine but not exceptional by any means. They work, but their cheapness makes them a liability.
The CZ P09 series comes with big metal sights. They have both night sights and three dot white sights available. Much like Glock sights, they’re drift-adjustable duty-style sights, but not much else. The sights on the CZ are pushed to their limits to achieve the greatest sight radius possible.
You can swap Glock sights, which I suggest everyone do. There are plenty of options out there to do just that. However, the P09 comes with rugged and reliable sights while being a bit more affordable than the Glock series.
Amazing Ergonomics
The CZ 75 put CZ on the board. The famed gun was well known for a ton of different features, including its ergonomics. I find most polymer frame guns lose a bit on the ergonomic front. They tend to be blockier and less conforming to the hand. The CZ P09 doesn’t meet the same high level of ergonomic awesomeness as the CZ-75, but it beats most, if not all, of the current crop of block-like polymer frame handguns.
CZ keeps the grip frame thin and svelte. It’s comfy in the hand. The design beats Glock in particular by using a thinner grip that encourages a higher overall grip on the gun. The overhang acts like a beavertail and sweeps upward to comfortably greet the hand. The trigger guard’s undercut allows for a more comfortable and higher grip on the gun.
With the Glock 17, the gun doesn’t encourage that nice high grip. Frankly, that’s why so many aftermarket shops exist to modify stock Glock frames. CZ does from the factory what most people pay other companies to do to their Glocks. Outside of the grip, we also get great controls.
First, it’s one of the few guns that I don’t pin the slide lock down on when shooting with a thumb’s forward grip. The slide release is also massive. The safety/decocker is huge and easy to engage as well. Finally, the magazine release is novel in its design. You can press it slightly forward with the thumb to release the magazine or do a more traditional downward press.
Lower Recoil
People will bring up the bore axis, specifically the lower bore axis of CZ-type firearms, as the reason why they have lower recoil or muzzle rise than other handguns. Maybe that helps, but the slide’s smaller size also helps. The CZ slide rides inside the frame instead of over the top, like most guns. This results in a very small slide that weighs a couple of ounces less than the Glock 17 slide.
Less mass traveling rearward creates less muzzle rise. The CZ P09 seems to have less perceived recoil than the Glock 17. Even if it’s only slight, it matters. Maybe not so much to experienced shooters, but to new shooters, it’s very noticeable. It’s a comment I’ve heard over and over when teaching new shooters: the P09 is softer shooting and more comfortable.
Affordability
The CZ P09 is also cheaper than the Glock 17. Surprisingly, if you shop around, the gun can be had for less than $400. That’s almost $200 less than a Gen 5 Glock 17, and you get real metal sights instead of cheap plastic ones. Affordability goes a long way with shooters, and the CZ P09 is simply the more affordable gun.
What the Glock 17 Does Better
To keep things fair, the Glock 17 is a stellar gun. I still like my Glocks and admit they do a few things better than the CZ P09. The Glock 17 is easier to find. In fact, everything about the Glock 17 is easier to find. This includes magazines, holsters, and various upgrades. Glock is everywhere, giving them the power of commonality.
The Glock 17 series is easier to upgrade as well. Their firearms are remarkably simple and well-made. This makes it easy to upgrade and customize the gun. Additionally, Glock makes optic-ready models, and CZ ignores that with the P09. The Glock handgun series owns the market, and that comes with lots of perks.
Which one is for you?
I love the CZ P09. It remains one of my favorite guns. It’s not perfect, but I think it’s a great alternative to the Glock and Glock-copy supremacy. A DA/SA action, refined ergonomics, great sights, and, of course, a lower price point is my argument. Am I wrong? If so, let me know below!
