Looove me some lever actions.
I've got a Marlin 39a .22, which is pretty much the golden standard of .22 levers. I believe its the longest running production gun in the world. I've got my my 'list', a Marlin 1895sbl (45/70), and a .410xlr (410).
My dad, on the other hand, puts me to shame. He's got a Henry .22LR, .22mag, .17hmr, Marlin 336c (30-30), 444 (.444marlin), and a 308mxlr (.308marlin), and is getting ready to buy an 1895gbl (45/70).
As with just about everything I own, I tore it (39a) completely apart and fluffed, puffed, and polished everything I could on the inside. Mine runs slick as can be now.
I say go for it.