I know what you mean about NR being more attractive.I only purchased a Hi Point .45 and 9mm when they manufactured Canadian legal length rifle. I will do the same if Henry ever comes around.Better ballistics with longer rifle anyway.
Im not sure 9mm gets better ballistics out of a 18.5” barrel - Some chronograph information suggests there is very little advantage to the extra 2.5”, and other data suggests a loss in velocity.