I have a Henry. I like it. It shoots fine and functions well. I bought it several years ago, and I'm quite sure I paid well under $200.00 for it. I also recently picked up an excellent Marlin Golden 39A at a gun show. The extractor and shell guide were broken/missing. I fixed those problems and it has been functioning fine and shoots great also. The fit and finish on the Marlin far exceeds that on the Henry, but it weighs a lot more also, not forgetting the cost difference too. The Marlins and Winchesters are definitely going to rock your pocketbook a lot harder.
All in all, I think if you scope the Henry with some GOOD glass
you will be further ahead in the long run if you don't give a hoot about the finish on the action, and take reasonable care not to let it get scratched up too bad.
You will also want to try different brands of ammo in it to see what it wants to eat best...... There will be differences.