CZ83 stiff mag release

[kyron4]

Picked up a used CZ83 in excellent shape for my daughter. Everything runs great but the mag release is very stiff and only releases the mag when pushed from one side. Can anything be done to lighten it up ? -Thanks

[Psyop96]

It should push from both sides. If you're inclined, here's a link to a good site that explains how to take the mag release catch apart and clean it to see if it'll help with both issues. It's not that difficult, just takes care to handle and fit the small parts involved. It suggests a couple of ways to lighten the spring in the catch but those are beyond my pay grade to comment on. You could always search for a replacement spring at some of the mil-surplus online stores. Good luck and good shooting.
http://sailorcurt.com/2008/04/cz-82-gunsmithing-part-2.html/

[il.bill]

Using the [Search] box at the top of the 'CZ82 & CZ83 Club' forum page, type in mag release and click on the [Search] button to its right.  Some good ideas for working on, what to me, is the weakest link of the CZ82/83 pistol design will return to give you more info on this relatively common problem.

Sailor Curt's "Captain of a Crew of One" website mentioned by Psyop96 is one of the best sources on CZ82/83 dis-assembly that I have come across.  Massaging the mating edges of the magazine catch components helped on a couple, but I had more success with replacement parts purchased from CZ-USA http://shop.cz-usa.com/czpartslists/CZ83.pdf.  Good luck!