RE: first .22 opinions
I have a Marlin model 60, it has a 14 tube magazine and is semi-auto. Very reliable gun and shoots very accurately. I have no problems hitting squirrels with it, it shoots CCI ammo very accurately, but also shoots bulk federal ammo with no problems, not quite as accurately, but I have shot many a squirrel using bulk ammo so its plenty accurate enough for the job. Rabbits will be no problem.
Ruger 10/22s are also very good but you can pickup a marlin for less money. only issue I had with my Marlin was the rear site would fall after shooting, I sighted it in and put lock tite on it, no more problems, if you put a scope on it though you don't have to worry about that, I actually removed the iron sights when i added the scope.