Does it leave any indentation on the primer when you try to fire it? If not it could be a stuck or broken firing pin. If it does, the bolt may just need disassembled for a thorough cleaning or the main spring may have taken a set and need replaced.
You said you inherited this rifle - do you happen to know how long it's been since it was last used? Many old timers used to oil their guns with WD-40 or similar non-gun specific lubricant, and unfortunately over time some would dry leaving a varnish-like film that can cake-up the inner workings of firearms.
My suggestion would be to simply take it to a competent gunsmith for a thorough cleaning and inspection.
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