For what you want out of a gun, the 10/22 is perfect. Down the road you can do a trigger upgrade if you feel its necesary ($45), and then if you want to get real particular, a barrel, ($120), and then a Hogue stock for a syntehtic ($60) or a laminated wood with thumbhole ($150).

None of the upgrades are necessary, but as you learn more about firearms, and if you become a particular person like alot of us on these forums, the 10/22 is the most versatile, upgradeable, affordable gun on the market. Nuff said. If you want a semi auto, get the 10/22.

As for bolts, they won't "hit harder" or shoot "longer" than a semi. And I've never owned a bolt 22, but I'd be willing to bet if you bought a Savage or a Marlin bolt gun, you'd never know the difference.