That area of NJ (Elizabeth, Newark, Kearny, and Jersey City, over to Staten Island) had a very active community of matches and shooters. This rifle was certainly shot a lot, judging by the wear in the bore and feckled nickeling on the receiver and lever. 
FYI, the rifle has a #3 full octagon Winchester barrel on it. It is presently 30” long, so I’m thinking it must have at least 32” before it was cut down and put on this rifle.

wcf3840 wrote on Jun 12^th, 2023 at 3:49pm:


WCF,
I was able to spend a little time with a Ballard nearly identical to yours some time ago, without the plunger in place there was a tiny bit of lever droop.  The lever still cammed over and gave "Ballard snap" but then it drooped from the action about an 1/8" The plunger kept the lever up to the action when in place.  In my opinion, someone that was used to working on coil spring high walls had a hand in working on this. 
Regards,
Greg