More than likely the rifle didn’t lock up properly.  Someone changed the screws but that didn’t fix it so they installed a new longer link.  This link fixed the lockup but raised the breech block and the firing pin strike.

If it were mine, does not misfire and locks up properly, I’d leave it alone.

But, if you are going to attempt correcting it, the holes need to be closer together in-order to lower the firing pin strike.

Another but, if you do this, more than likely you will open a can of worms.  There’s a good chance it will not lockup.  Then you have a much more complicated fix.

There’s lots more to a Ballard operation than most understand.  It’s not as simple as many of the other falling block rifles.

The good thing is, if you make a link and have issues, you can just reinstall the original.
Bob

Thanks for the reply
Charlie