I love levers alos, I sold my Winnie 94 years ago and have missed it every time I am hunting in the think bush. I just bought a Marlin 45/70, and cannot wait to try her out.
The only thing I hate about lever is the lever its self. They all seem to be made for a childs hand, and is real hard to cycle while wearing gloves in cold weather. I checked around for a replacement lever that is bigger and nearly fainted when I saw one selling for $132