my semi-automatic .22 rimfire doesnt auto-reload anymore, why!?:(?

I suspect you only cleaned the barrel, but your problem in most likely a crud ed up or rusty action.

Since as you have already said no gunsmith is available, you may have to tackle the problem by your self.

I would suggest you remove the barreled action from the stock and get a can of brake parts cleaner or maybe even spray carburetor cleaner and then blast all the crud from the action. Either of these cleaners should get most all the gunk out.

Then when it is dry which will only take a minute or two, spray the action and any other surface that the cleaner came in contact with with a good oil, not WD40. If you do not do this the parts will be so dry and oil free that they will rust quickly.

This is the most effective way to clean a gun without disassembly.

Please do not try this with the action in the stock as damage will likely occur to the stock or it's finish.

Semi Automatic 22

The only thing I can think of is that the action is dirty. When you cleaned the gun you probably cleaned the barrel, but didn't remove the gunk that formed as the oil, powder residue, etc... hardened in the action over time. (The resulting gunk can look a lot like tar.) You probably need to clean the action with solvents, work it a bit, and then shoot a couple hundred rounds through the gun to loosen things up. Other than that I don't know what could be doing it off the top of my head.

I'd recommend finding a smith and having the gun examined/cleaned, even if you have to drive a while to do it.

Which is better, a Marlin 795 or a Ruger 10/22 is a debate will continue for a long time. If you are only willing to buy one, get the less expensive one - Marlin 795. If you want to put a lot of add-ons, the more popular one is I think the Ruger 10/22. Can afford both ? Get both ! And have fun making a decision.

agree with others

thoroughly clean barrel - including chamber, action, and magazine

if rifle has a removalable magazine (also frequently incorrectly called a clip), you also need to clean and lube it

a gun setting up for six years will take some heavy duty cleaning

any oil or grease left in gun can mix with "dirt" and dry out to where it is about like concrete

you may have to soak it, scrub it, blast spray it, or even scrape it

you might want to pay particular attention to chamber and extractor

If it stopped all of a sudden something broke ( a spring or something on the bolt. If it slowly started jamming you may need to fully strip it for a better cleaning.

What model maybe some one can find a parts diagram so if you tear it down and find a broken part?

I don't want to sound like the nerdy teacher here that scolds his class about not doing their homework...BUT...why not tell us all EXACTLY what make and model of 22 semi-auto rifle that you own!

In fact, I am not even sure that it's a rifle! You never mention rifle or handgun. And when you refer to the bolt, that could be the bolt on a Ruger Mark II pistol.

I am confident there are some experts on this Q&A board that could help you...IF they knew what kind of gun you were refering to.

Find a diagram of the gun, take it (the action) COMPLETELY apart, clean Every bit of metal with hopps number nine, solvent. put the gun back together pull the bolt back, apply 3 in1 oil directly in the action, press the bolt release button, pull the bolt back, press the bolt release button, repeat.

FURTHERMORE, use brass (or other metal) JACKETED ammo, non-jacketed ammo tends to leave quite a bit more lead fouling in the action and barrel, so you would have to clean your gun more often.

autos don't do good in the closet a long time.I would soak it in Break Free and let sit a couple days.Then work the action manually a lot,and see if it don't loosen up.

Semi-Auto need high velocity ammos so check that first.Cleaning with Hoppe product are good nowadays.