Did he mean FULLY semi-automatic? Way back in the last century (1960) my dad was stationed at a smallish supply base in PA and there was a 4 lane bowling facility. Strictly manual pick up and setting with a hand operated, spring assist pin setter. A couple of my buddies and I worked them. DANGEROUS! LOL!
I remember those days. And your dad probably drove you to work without either of you wearing seatbelts and he probably smoked in the car with the windows rolled up. How is it that you’re still alive?
I remember those as a kid when you could see the setters doing their thing. Some were occasionally hurt not getting out of the way after setting the pins up. I think they also had to use a gravity slope to return the ball. It was a hard job.