Personaly I'd go with a Uberti 73 or 76 replica. Depends on what you want the rifle to do. The 73 has a week action, but basic loads in 44-40 or 45 colt are good on deer under a 100 yards, and loaded with black powder they provide plenty of stoping power. The 76 I would probably go with 45-75, provided you reload, and it will stop anything short of dangerouse game under a 100 yards. I know the toggle links are a week action, but there is no smoother cycling action out there. If for home protection, a shotgun is hard to beat. My personal favorite is a Coyote Cap 1887 lever shotgun and buck shot for peace of mind.
I have never owned one of the Henry big boys, and don't plan on it. I've heard good things about them, but I prefer the 1860 Henry myself.