If you drop the cylinder open just near the serial number on the frame (not the one on the butt) you will see something similar to "Mod 686-3" (mine are both -3) STPN is asking what number is after the "-" in the 686-? as it denotes generation of the revolver.
I'd like to aquire a 686+-5 and have it coated BLACK (either cerakote or tephlon) And some BLACK G10 grip's
Not exactly. GP100s used to ship with grips like that, but recent production come with Hogue mono grips. The grips in the picture are an Altamont rubber part, with a quilted maple insert from Chig's Grips. Since then I've put on a wood Match Champion grip.
I had no idea the design change at least 6 times for there to be a series. I should look more into s and w revolvers. Should be a neat history.
-3/-4 are ,my favorites in the 686. I still occasionally come across a no dash and bout 50% of the time those are not M stamped. I think S&W will still do that work for free and stamp it now. Just to confuse you Strig.... Growing up my best friend's older brother received one of the first two L frames to be imported into Australia (586 no dash with factory partridge sight), that incidentally was also the first handgun I (and my best friend) ever fired. I have had a bit of a thing for the L Frame since. It was fitting that my (still) best freind's two kids (my Godkids) first handgun fired was also an L Frame...
The L frame was brought out to improve upon one of my favorite guns, the K frame Model 19. It's supposed to be just as sweet to shoot, but can also handle a steady diet of hot .357 Magnum ammunition. Enjoy.