Dardick Model 1500
Dardick Corporation · Revolver · Discontinued · 1958
Also known as: Dardick 1500, Dardick Series 1500, Dardick Tround Pistol
Overview
The Dardick Model 1500 is an American open-chamber revolver produced by the Dardick Corporation from 1958 to 1962. It chambered proprietary triangular cartridges called trounds, whose convex three-sided plastic cases allowed the cylinder chambers to be open on one side, so rounds could be fed forward from a blind 15-round magazine in the grip and ejected without any reciprocating extraction. The double-action mechanism advanced a three-chambered rotor with each trigger pull. Ballistically the .38 tround was similar to the conventional .38 Special, and the gun accepted quick-detachable screw-in barrels in .22 and .38 calibers.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 960 g (33.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 229 mm (9.02") |
| Barrel Length | 152 mm (5.98") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Fixed Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 290 m/s (951 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 341 J (252 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right-Hand |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Plastic |
| Finish | Anodized |
Calibers
- .38 Dardick Tround · primary — also known as .38 Tround, Dardick Tround
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Internal Magazine
- Features: Open Chamber Action, Triangular Tround Ammunition, Blind Magazine In Grip, Interchangeable Barrels, Switchable Rimfire Centerfire Firing Pin
Variants
- Dardick Model 1100 - Compact
Production
Estimated total produced: 100 · Production years: 1958-1962
Sources vary between roughly 40 and 100 units; a few hundred at most across the Dardick Corporation's short life.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: David Dardick
Discontinued: 1962
Notes
The blind grip magazine could be configured for 11 or 15 trounds; the Model 1500 held 15. A carbine conversion kit with a longer barrel and shoulder stock was also offered. A commercial failure due to the cost and oddity of the proprietary ammunition, with sources citing only around 40-100 guns produced.
Background
Invented by David Dardick, the tround (triangular round) aimed to replace the traditional metallic cartridge and revolver cylinder with a simpler open-chamber feed system. Despite its clever mechanics, the reliance on unusual, expensive ammunition doomed it commercially, and surviving Dardick guns are prized collector curiosities.