I'm partial to Lever actions so I would like to get a Lever 22. Any info on this would be appreciated.

The most economical would be a Henry. I bought one for my grandson (special youth model) and it seems to shoot fine. No doubt that the aluminum receiver housing, while very serviceable and amply strong, will get scratched up after a while.

The Marlin Model 39 will be a bit pricey, and it is also heavy for a .22, but is high quality.

My favorite, due to its trim weight and high quality, is the Browning BLR-22. Also somewhat pricey, though.

Interesting recent story on a Marlin. My brother bought a new one. Papers said it was sighted in at 50 yards.
In actuality, the front sigeht was mounted several degrees off of vertical. And the notch in the rear sight was not even cut.
He sent it back.
They cut the notch. The front sight remained quite a bit off of vertical.
He sent it back again.
This time when it was returned it was in a flimsy cardboard box and the stock was in multiple pieces.
He sent it back and demanded full return of his money
They paid but I am not sure if they covered all the shipping costs.
I was afraid to ask him if they paid shipping, cause he was extremely POed and bigger than me.

#1 - an elderly marlin 39A
#2 - everything else

If I had the funds, this would be IT.

http://www.grizzlycustom.com/c...cker_lite_scout.html

I have a good Marlin 39D that could use a little spit and polish, and if I luck into some discretionary funds, this is near the top of the list.
I have a feeling, something similar could be had for less $$, but don't know where, or to whom, I'd look.
LM

Purchased a Henry for my daughter and a Browning BLR-22 for myself. Browning fit, finish, and overall quality is excellent. Henry is nice but not as refined. You will pay more for the Browning but it's worth the extra dollars. My daughter gravitates towards the Browning every time we take two rifles out to plink.

94/22 Winchester

An older (I prefer pre-microgroove barrels) Marlin 39. No experience, but I understand the Winchester 9422 is also excellent.

Clarence

Years ago one of the salesmen as a gun dealer who was a browning collector knew I owned a Browning M1906 25ACP
in pristine condition and kept trying to talk me out of it....

One day I walked in an he made me an offer I couldn't
refuse... a trade for a new BL-22... I told him "throw in two "Bricks" of Remington Viper ammo and you have a deal", I have never regretted that swap.

I never told him what I originally paid for that M1906, but I easily came out $400 ahead on the deal

there is an old saying that the most fair trades are those where both parties believe they took advantage of the other guy.

I love the Browning BLR 22. All seven members of the family have one.

Winchester 9422 or a Marlin 39M.