Welcome Blackdog12 and WeatherbyHunter1 to the forum,

WeatherbyHunter1 ,The semi auto you are referring to is the Ruger Model 10-22 M.The Ruger Model 96 has always been a Lever Action. It's available in 17HMR,22LR,22Mag and the 44 Mag.Though I have never owned or shot a model96 I hear they are a nice little rifle.Marlin does make fine LA's. It would be a toss up,but I would lean towards the Ruger.Knowing Ruger's quality and Customer Service being second to none.Being fair I have no experience with Marlin's Customer Service.They could be excellent too?

Ruger Redhawk