Thread: What is a good semi auto.22?

Good info across alot of semis there... you seem well onto it Old School

Regarding Marlin semiautos - I got a helluva a shock when I bought ($225) and tested a model 60DL on the bench about 15 years ago. I was of the opinion which most share that sporter semi 22s cannot match bolt actions for accuracy. To my colossal surprise it was not the little Marlin semiauto that was crap - it was my opinion that was. Had bought the 90s 60DL from Gary (and Tim) at Talon Arms with a Tasco 3-9 on it. Immediately it shot down to 0.25" groups (5 shots) at 50m, and averaged close to that. In ensuing years I bought/tested maybe a dozen variants - and with minor variation they were all very accurate.

I like the old school tube mags but they are not everyone's cup of tea - understandably. The Marlin box mag models I had were:
*Model 70HC - early model - not recommended, least accurate.
*Model 995 - model preceding the 795s, often with wooden stock. Nice - most don't have LSHO (last-shot-hold-open)
*Model 7000 - a heavier barrel, better stock semi. VERY nice, very accurate. A wee beauty.
*Model 795 - an basic little unit but has LSHO, and very accurate wee field shooter.

All but the model 70 was a sharp little shooter. As with Marlin semis the little verse applies - run em clean, run em dry, then feed em CCI. I currently run a Marlin 795SS and this averages down in 0.4"s with HV ammo at 50m. Loved my model 60s but sold the last as too difficult to read how many rounds leftin it after the 10 round mod, and top up right number in truck at night.

The Marlins may need fresh springs from time to time. Don't leave the action open - weakens both recoil and hammer spring. We could not get replacement spring kits from Mcarbo in the US for a time there, but now Delta Mike in Invercargill will be bringing them in in month or so. Good to keep a spare set. That's something on Marlins but lots of options coming up..