I have no experience with a semi auto marlin. I have however a ruger 10-22 and a lever action marlin 39a Golden. I have wore the rifling out on the marlin. The 10-22 not so much, maybe I haven't found the "right" shells yet, I don't like it at all. I guess I am alone on that one. Never been able to hit squat with it open sight or scoped. I'll dance snuff cans 100 yds +/- with my marlin.