Marlin lever actions

[Rustywreck]

I am interested in purchasing a Marlin lever action in .45/70 caliber, but I have a couple questions:
Does anyone know if a Marlin classic model 1895 can accept the large loop lever found on a model 1895SBL?
The model 1895 features a 22" barrel, but with a smaller loop lever. All of the models with the large loop lever have short barrels - I'm hoping for the best of both worlds.
Also, I don't understand why the shorter barrel has a longer tube magazine (6 round), and the longer barrel has a shorter tube magazine (4 round). This is just a curiousity - not a deciding factor in my purchase.
Thank for the help.

[Larryjk]

Rustywreck, I don't know the answer to your question on the large loop levers interchangeability. As for the short tube on the long barrel and long tube on short barrel. I believe it is simply an attempt at gun balance. I used to shoot a Winchester Model 86 that had a long barrel and tube. When you filled the tube, you had an unusually nose heavy rifle. It sure did keep the barrel down when you pulled the trigger.
The longer tube on the short barrel Marlin gives you more weight out front which you need. The long barrel and a short tube keep from feeling like there is an anchor attached to the end of that long barrel.

[Rustywreck]

Larry,

Good point on the weight issue of a longer tube - I hadn't thought of it.
The lever is a much more important issue to me.

[PJgunner]

I just noticed this so sorry for the late reply. I don't see why you couldn't put a large loop lever on that gun. If both guns have a straight no pistol grip stock they both use the same action. The same would go if both have pistol grip stocks. In fact, all four versions would use the same M336 action. So, yes, I think you could change the levers from one to the other. My best advice is contact Marlin and ask them directly. I know of one guy who sent his plain old 1895 Marlin back and got it back with the longer octagon barrel that marlin puts on some models of the 1895. IIRC, he said it cost him $250 and change but this was about 5 or 6 years ago. It won't cost that much to call and ask and it's probably a job you can do yourself.
Paul B.