Just read a post on another forum, where someone was wanting to go back from big loop to regular loop, because he was having trouble reloading fast. On my 1895XLR I never wanted the big loop, because my hands are more medium sized and I don't normally were gloves. Anyway finally saw someone that also didn't need the large loop. Dave

I went with a DRC lever on my Guide gun because the regular lever was just too small if I had gloves on.

If the loop is bigger than what the DRC's is, then I really don't care for it. It was more of a matter of function for me. I don't find big loops aesthetically pleasing at all, even the DRC version.

I'm with Vic, I have DRC on my 1895 and it doesn't slow me down at all, reaquiring the target after recoil takes longer than shucking a round in.

As a big fan of DRC loops, I love his straight grip loop but don't care for any pistol grip loop. I have both and the pistol feels really clunky. I just don't like the big loops like WWG. I am converting my 375 Marlin to straight grip so I can use one of his loops I like the feel so much.

I'm a fan of the DRC, it's juuust right.

Takes practice to learn to keep the gun mounted and cycle the action. Many guys try to cycle with a partial dismount and they lose leverage. Cycling that lever should be a fairly violent action.

Marlin's lever opening is a bit tight for folks with large hands. But the real problem with hard-recoilers can't be solved by making the loop larger - it is the shape of the trigger guard since that is what is going to whack your middle finger. If you buy stainless you can reshape that chunk of metal to make it less sadistic and still look good.