Help me interpret solenoid shopping info
If it says the stroke length is .05 inches, then you have to assume the stroke length is .05 inches (50 mils).  There is nothing ambiguous here.

The nominal versus maximum stroke is less clear.  It appears they are rating the solenoid for pulling in the nominal amount, but are saying that it can actually start further out.  That will likely mean significantly less starting force, though.  They are saying that this solenoid is meant to be used so that it is held the nominal distance out, but that it can mechanically go further.  However, it's hard to trust what they say when the starting force is labeled in Ohms.  Huh?  I'd seriously wonder what else is wrong with that datasheet.  I'd find a different solenoid, preferably from a different manufacturer.