Lever gun question-swapping out with a big-loop lever

[Rob]

I am looking to swap the standard lever out on a Marlin 1985GS lever gun with a Big Loop.

The gun has a straight stock (see photo).  I have two questions:
1.  Will the big loops all work on straight stocks, or do I need to find one specific to straight stocks?
2.  The Wild West loops seem to be quite popular but I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around $200 for a lever!  Does brand matter on a lever?

[Rob]

I answered my own question on the stock style.  (There is a difference!)

Thanks!

[Fl0und3rz]

I went with a WWG on my 1895GS.  I can't speak to differences in quality or value.  It is sold as drop in, I believe.  I had to stone some surfaces as the loading mechanism was hanging slightly causing failures to load smoothly and reliably.  It was no biggie, and I would do it again.

Even better is the WWG trigger. Drop in and super smooth, big improvement.

I also went with their ejector, and it is a decent part, but I didn't notice anything compelling.

I have some pics floating around here.

[Rob]

Thanks!  I will look at their trigger.

[Fl0und3rz]

Something to get you going.

Since we all love pics...here's my 1895GS Guide Gun

Skinner rear Peep Sight, with Fiber Optic Fire Sight up front...

The 325 gr. LR should be sufficient for elk. 

Attached is a picture of my 1895 GS for you Marlin 45-70 fans.  It has a WWG big loop lever and trigger and the sights are the XS ghost ring and post.

[Rob]

Beautiful!  I much prefer the stainless over blued as long as they have real wood like yours - Not a huge fan of the grey laminate stocks often found on the 1895's.

I just mounted a Leupold Scout scope on it.  It has a 1.5 low end magnification which is taking a bit of getting use to for close range target acquisition.

[Rob]

photo

[Fl0und3rz]

Sweet.  Yeah, a big loop lever makes carrying it a little nicer with gloves and cycling is a little bit smoother on the hand.  That will look real nice with the big loop.  I like the XS sights on mine, as they are quick, and I limit shots out to about 150 yards.

[Rob]

The recoil has proven a bit painful on the hand so the hope is that the big loop will reduce/eliminate that.

[Rob]

And the gun has the XS peep on it too.  The rings are quick release so I can drop the scope if need be.

[Fl0und3rz]

Nice, I noticed it looked like the XS peep with rail.  I added a limbsaver too, after working up some 2000 fps 300 gr JHPs.  The recoil was brisk.

[HawkCreek]

I personally can't stand oversized loops, instead of having the back of your fingers close to the loop as you would with a standard lever you get to take a run at it before bashing your fingers into it, causes a longer stroke to work the action etc. But to each their own.

A quick google search will show quite a lot of options for larger than standard levers for Marlin guns. Even factory ones are available from places like Brownels (for much less money).

[700xcr]

I like the Medium Loop Lever from Ranger Point Precision  over the Large Loop Lever.
https://www.rangerpointstore.com/marlin-loop-levers-30-30-35-rem-308-338-444-357-mag-44-mag-45-colt-45-70-450m/

[Rob]

That is a nice compromise

[Fl0und3rz]

I need a 336 to try that out.

I don't find any difficulty cycling the action with a big loop.  Just cock your wrist slightly.  I found it more natural than the regular position forced by the regular lever on the straight stock.