I’ve got a Marlin 45-70 I’m quite fond of. I like it as a close range hunting rifle that packs a big punch with lots of penetration if need be. Up to elk or bear within 100 yards (for me, with irons). To me, that makes the most sense for a lever action.
The marlins are solid rifles at a great price. The Henrys are very nice as well. Winchester’s are good if you can find a solid one used. 45-70 is my favorite rifle caliber, but 30-30 is good too if you don’t need as much bullet. The pistol caliber carbines are very useful too, take your pick of caliber.
I’ve also found that most factory lever action iron sights are mediocre at best, I recommend a Skinner Sights rear aperture as an upgrade.
