If you just want to buy a new gun, there are three choices:
Browning BL-22, various models up to really expensive collector grades, made in Japan
Henry, various models, made in USA
Marlin 39A, one model, made in USA
Ruger does not make a .22LR lever gun. Winchester makes nothing at all, though the badge exists. The 9422 has been relegated to collector pricing, and it was discontinued a while before the plant shut down.
The Browning Grade I is okay, but I'd spring for the Grade II and get nicer, checkered wood for a bit more money. That puts it in the price range of the Marlin. The Browning weighs 5 lb., and feels tiny to me. You might like that, especially if you want to carry it all day. I wanted something that would feel more like a centerfire, for practice. I could still see myself getting one at some point. A very nice, well-made, well-finished gun.
The Henry basic model has some plastic on it and it, too, is a bit light, though heftier than the Browning. I'd spring for the Octagon model, which is heavier (6.25 lb.), has no plastic, looks nice, and is a tad longer than the basic model. It's got all the features of the Golden Boy, other than the shiny gold receiver, for a good deal less money. I think it's a more tractable plinker and field gun; should be easier to keep it nice-looking. It's a lot cheaper than the Marlin.
As I wrote above, I got the Marlin. It's longer and heavier still, feels like a centerfire lever gun. It's an all-steel takedown, and a "forever gun." It wasnt' my first .22, so I could wait and buy what I really, really liked. And it's a good practice gun for any other Marlin lever gun with expensive ammo.
The specific three makes & models I looked at. At least handle each one, if you can't shoot them all, before buying. They all shoot well enough. See how they feel, how they balance, how you like the sights, etc.
Browning Grade II
http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=005B&cat_id=024&type_id=101
Henry Octagon
http://www.henryrepeating.com/h001t_leveroctagon.cfm
Marlin Golden 39A
http://marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/22Rifle/Golden39A.aspx