Ruger Collector's Association Old Army

[Jamie]

I've got a question for anyone who has a clue as to the value of an Old Army that was given to my by a friend.  It isn't for sale, so I'm not looking for a buyer, I'm just thinking about shooting it and wonder if I'm crazy.  It's never been fired or cycled.  It's a stainless with engraving (etched?) with black background in the bottom, a 24 K gold plated cylinder and front sight, polymer ivory grips with large black RCA (Ruger Collector's Association) in the grip.  It's a 25th Anniversary (of the Old Army I think) and it was purchased through one of the catalog's like Cheaper than Dirt, I remember when my friend bought it, and as I recall, it was about what a normal stainless Old Army would have, a little less actually.
I'm thinking about picking up a normal cylinder or a 45 LC cylinder, popping out the front sight and replacing that as well - I can imagine how long that gold plating would last in a holster or the heat of firing.  In a sense, it's crazy, but it was made to be shot too, so, unless it's a rare and priceless (or extremely valuable) thing of beauty, I'd like to be able to shoot it.  (I quit shooting my dad's Colt 1911A1 from 1927 when I took it in to have a better front sight put on, and was offered $2500+ for it.  I'll never sell it, like the Ruger, but it's a piece of history, so I may shoot it once in a great while, but not as a carry gun, that's for sure.)  Anyway, if anybody has any thoughts, I'd appreciate it.
Jamie

[Mustang Gregg]

I ain't no expert on the ROA's. 
But I don't reckon you can just pop out the BP cylinder & put in a Blackhawk (in .45 Colt) cylinder. 
Maybe you could get one from R&D??  Dunno about that.

I will do some searching for the "25th Year Model".
BTW---When was it purchased?

MG

[Jamie]

Yes, I'm sure that a Blackhawk 45 LC wouldn't work!  I was actually thinking about an R+D or something of that sort.  However, I posted the same question at the Ruger Collector's Association website, and got some information that was helpful.  The gun was sold in 1998 from what he said, and though the paper says 1 of 2000, he indicated that he thought that there were far fewer actually produced.  As it stands, it looks like a box gun to be appreciated for it's own outward beauty, representing internally as it does the best C and B revolver out there.  Sort of like my beloved wife, a thing of beauty outside and in.  She'll probably never read this, which is just as well, I don't want to swell her head.  On the other hand, being compared to a black powder handgun, she might lose the depth of love inherent in the whole thing.
Thanks so much for responding, and if you find anything else out about it, please let me know!  Again, it isn't for sale, but I'd like to know as much as possible about it.
Jamie

[Mustang Gregg]

Sounds good, Jamie!
Ya got a cool Ruger there.

Let us know if you find any new info about it.

MG