My next purchase is either gonna be Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm, Henery Golden Boy .22lr, or a Taurus Judge. I've narrowed down to these three just can't figure out which one I want the most.
I think if you know somebody that has a Marlin .22 lever action that you can shoot, you will like the worksmanship, the material its made of, and its takedown cleaning simplicity hands down over the yellow boy.
The Marlin is quality with a capital Q, but may be more expensive. I have owned two and still have one. A neighbor brought me a Henry with accuracy problems to shoot, I was not impressed....
If you don't have a lever .22 (everyone needs one) then go for it. It's not a lot of money and will give you a lot of plinking fun for many years.
And nothing wrong with the M&P 9mm, if that is you fancy. Read up on the Judge. The concept is great but I've read of reports about the barrel coming off.
FWIW I would support the Henry 22 lever action. I love my S&W M&P in 45 ACP (not a big fan of the 9mm not criticizing those who like it, just not a round I have much faith in) and have also read of problems with the Judge (concept is awesome, QC is the issue).