I have a couple of the Browning Model 42 clones. They are high grades and shot only a few times. They suffer this same issue. I found that if you put forward pressure on the fore end stock while pressing the release, they work fine. You might try that to see if it releases.
It appears that these guns have very tight tolerances when new and you need to release the pressure on the mechanism by pushing the slide forward while releasing in order for the catch to let go. It functions normally after a shot. I have not idea if this is a trait with the 42.You may just need to shoot it a bit to settle everything in.
The best plan may be to send it to me and I will break it in for you at a really modest fee.
(Don't forget that, in Roswell, weather ballons or aliens may be a contributor)!
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