I'm looking for a simple 22 for shooting and small game. I'm thinking about a ruger 10/22 or the henry lever action 22. I think the lever action would just be fun, but I know the reputation of the 10/22. Looking for advice, thanks

Any of the long-standing models will be a good chocie. I favor the 10/22 myself. In the end, choose the one that FITS YOU best not what everyone else has.

excellent advice Maine. That being said, the 10/22 is a dandy 22. And the aftermarket parts out there are almost endless. I had a stock one that could shoot 1/2" 50 yard groups all day long. The Henry on the other hand is also a neat rifle. And the actions on the ones I've tried were as slick as snot on a door knob. (now that's slick). There are a few others too - the Browning lever gun is good too, as is the Winchester. Bolt actions, the sky's the limit depending on how much you want to spend. But Savage and Marlin make good ones.

For lever actions, its very hard to do better than the Marlin 39A, its very hard to do better with any sporting .22 for that matter than the Marlin 39A- if there were a 'rifleman's .22' the 39A would be it.

10/22

You couldn't have said that any better Briman..........heres mine.

If you are looking at in-exepensive either the 10-22 or any of the Marlin semi auto's. If you are looking for one that you can hand down then the Marlin 39A is a great choice. I have a Marlin bolt action and a couple 10-22's though I still want to get a 39A.

Something you may wish to check out...your local game laws. Here in Pennsylvania, it is illegal to hunt small game with a semi-automatic rimfire. Why I don't know, but it is.
The Henrys are probably as good a lever gun for that kind of money as you're going to get. The Marlins are very good shooters, but cost more. Nice rifles, too. I'm still hunting for the right used one.
Like bronko said... you can trick out 10/22's with a lot of stuff if you wish, and are generally good shooters.
Got ya thoroughly confused yet??.... Join the crowd. Or, better yet, buy one of each!!!

I like my 10/22 quite a bit. I have a 3x9x32mm Simmons scope and after 4 years or so it's still dead on. I like it a lot. However, I'm not sure about the new ones. Aren't they supposed to have a plastic trigger or something. Not sure I'd want that.