I've also been looking (am considering .357 mag) but still haven't bought anything yet.
Henry is now making rifles with side-loading gates.
Some previous threads on lever-action rifles:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/478234-more-lever-guns.html
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/979262-lever-action-folks.html
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/1067741-lever-hand-spoon-questions-opinions.html
And I think you have to type his name three times before he shows up to provide sage advice...Higgins...Higgins...Higgins...