I would appreciate your opinions and advice as to which caliber and also which brand-make model of lever action pistol caliber rifle I should purchase.

I currently have revolvers in .38/.357mag and .45colt. But I have been looking for an excuse to buy a 629 or similar .44mag anyway...so recommending caliber based on my revolvers won't matter much.

Will use this rifle for fun at the range more than anything, so primary consideration would be based on that.

But I am also intrigued about its use within my home defense and hunting options.

Your suggestions on caliber and brand-make model? Thanks in advance!