Can't help with the problem without tearing it down myself, so a trip to the GS is the way to go. I'd say the cocking indicator or cam on the firing pin it rides on broke. Can't tell without talking the bolt apart! According to this site,http://www.savage99.com/savage99_dates.htm it was made in 1900. Don't know how many were made, but they were discontinued in 1915. Sounds like it has a great history, to bad these old guns can't talk!! Congrats on inheriting a fine heirloom!