There are arguments for going either way. To me, I would consider that revolver a keepsake - something that provides a bridge to my memories of my dad. If you feel that way about that revolver, it is much more valuable than a firearm. Now, if replacing the cylinder gets you to go out and shoot it and that allows you to transverse that bridge more often, than I would get the cylinder shoot it while at the same time honoring your father's memory.
