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.