It's coming back to me. The oval shaped bolt release on the left side is on a pivot pin. It keeps constant pressure on that spring you showed. I think the spring has softened which seems like your hunch as well.
His is SR20 which appears to be conventional lock down bolt.
View attachment 664745
Yes, it is an SR20 which they no longer make.I think the models are SR21 (bolt) and SR30 (Straight pull). Not sure which he has, but either way it doesn't look like the photo you put up. That is an old JC Penney / Montgomery Wards style mauser that was indeed, made by Heym. (but is not like the modern renditions that have unique actions)
PS- it appears they also did make an SR20 for a period of time. It was a private labeled "Mauser 2000" rifle. I've never handled one so I can't comment on that one at all.