Marlin 1894s are side ejectors which is nice if your wanting to mount an optic but there in the $700 range I believe. Now Rossi and Puma make a lever gun gun that is a top ejector I think and I believe your looking into about $450 for one of those
As far as Caliber. If I was you I would get the 357, It may be smaller but it shoots flatter is cheaper to feed and shares ammo with your handgun. 44 is great but you dont have a 44 yet but when you get a 44 mag handgun get a matching 44 lever gun . when I think of a lever gun theres always 30-30 problem is in indiana we cant hunt with it and your local range only lets you shoot handguns. but if I had my choice I would get 35 Rem
I got my 1894c from Tomlinson's in Churubusco for $550, slightly used.