One can send a Marlin 1895G or 1895M to Marlin and they will fit them with a 22" barrel for $130. Less if they keep the old barrel.

I am using a Williams Foolproof currently on my 1895ss and like the click adjustments.

For front sights I have used the Ashley Post mounted in the factory Marlin ramp, a Williams shorty ramp/bead, and the Marbles Fiber Optic Ramp/Bead that is one piece. I am still using the Marbles and like it very much. You can find it in Brownells.

With the Ashley front post/factory ramp - buy the slotted hood that was originally put on the Marlin Camp Carbine. It lets plenty of light in on top of the ramp and looks neat for very little cost.

I outfitted my Guide Gun "Mjolnir" with the Lyman receiver sight and the Brockman post front sight (via Brownells). The Brockman is similar to the XS post but has a "gold" metal vertical line instead of white (is it paint?) and the face of the blade is serrated. After shortening the post to a nub no taller than it is wide, and relieving the factory front sight base so that is sits flush on the barrel, the combination works fine. Time will tell whether this low sight line will see over the XS scout mount.

As for opening up the lever loop check also with Brockman; I believe it is an option he offers.

As for variations on a theme I'd like to see an 1895 with an unported 20 inch barrel and the magazine tube shortened to the front of the fore end cap, and a less chunky fore end of course.