No4Mk1* Magazine catch very stiff

The magazine release on my rifle is very stiff. Is there any way to decrease the force required to release the mag? Thanks!!

The magazine is only meant to be removed for cleaning ,repair or replacement when damaged. That's why the catch is tight.
Get some chargers for loading.

Completely right, and I completely agree, however:

My rifle has a scope mounted, therefore chargers are not a possibility.
I want to use it in informal competition, and faster mag changes would be a definite advantage.

From what i remember the issue is the spring for the magazine is also the spring for the sear.

If you lessen the magazine release tension you will effect the sear.

As mentioned above it is only supposed to be removed for cleaning and not battle hence the high spring tension.

I find its all about technique, if you squeeze it with your thumb on the cocking piece and finger on mag release and do a kind of pinching motion it releases easier. Hope that makes sense.

Agree with Bindi2, but as a minor practical point, especially if the mags have been given a gobby coat of suncorite; they sometimes bind against the trigger guard bow. Have a look at the mag when you do get it out just to see if there are any chafe marks on one or both sides of the mag case. It could be as simple as that.

As has also been mentioned, getting enough purchase on the mag release catch can also sometimes be fiddly. If you have a rest that you can clamp your rifle in, put the rifle in upside down so the mag & trigger guard are facing upwards. You can then get plenty of pressure on the mag release catch with your right thumb, whilst pulling the mag out with your left hand....or vice-versa if you're cack-handed!

1. Consider adding an extension to the catch, allows you more leverage.
2. Check the sides of the magazine isn't bulged and sticking to the trigger guard. Light attention with a small hammer should easy the movement of the magazine.