The better lever action 22's are: Marlin 39A, Browning BL-22, Winchester 9422, and the Henry.
Henry's are very smooth and I have become a convert as I didn't buy one for years due to plastic sights and "pot metal" receiver. The new ones have steel sights. The "pot metal" is not so bad really and they are really smooth to operate. I think they are clearly the best bang for the buck. The Golden Boy is fairly pricey and much heavier than their regular 22 lever action. Never shot one of them.
Mossberg currently makes a lever action 22. Years ago they made the Palamino Model 402 in carbine and rifle sizes. They were pretty nice little rifles that sometimes jammed if you did not cycle the lever smartly or "with authority".
My Marlin 39A is a little stiff to cycle the lever. But I have not shot it that much yet. I got it a year or so ago used but essentially new made just after they installed the cross bolt safety that I don't like.
Many people absolutely love the Winchester 9422. You pay for them these days.
