Is the Para FAL stock shorter than the standard fixed stock FAL? If it is shorter, by how much?

I'll try to measure both of mine when I get home and let you know.

I have 2 Paras, a long stock R1 clone and a mutt with the short buttstock.  The para and the short stock are almost the same length and the long stock is about 3" longer.

I didn't measure, just remember the diference when they were standing side by side.

What's the short stock? I have a 16" FAL and a 21" FAL and I'd like to get the LOP on the 16" down a few inches.

TW52, there were several lengths pf butt stocks available.  Without dowing a search, I couldn't give you the lengths.

When I get home this afternoon, I'll measure the 4 different stocks I have the report back.

Okay, thanks.

Also, I noticed that Ace Ltd has short Para type stocks but it says you have to replace the rifle recoil system for a Para recoil spring assembly. How much of a pain in the ass is that to do?

It's a piece of cake to do. You need a para bolt carrier, para recoil spring and a para top cover.  You can get them from DSA or Falcon.

Is the Para recoil system as reliable as the standard rifle recoil system?

My para has been just as reliable as my non para FAL's.

More specifically, you need a para top cover for a non-para cut receiver.  There are (2) types: paras that were born to be paras have an extra bit of machining done where the gas piston enters the inside of the receiver so that the nose of the top cover fits into the recess.  You probably do not have that cut and will need the other variant of para top cover for a retrofit.

Well. I got out the FALs and the tape measure.

My long SA butt stock measures just over 11".



The Para just under 10".



Both the short Imbel and wooden Izzy just over 9".  However, the plastic stock would measure about another inch.



About the Ace conversion.  The only difference between the standard Para set up and the Ace set up is that the lower doesn't need any modification.  The adapter block bolts right on and the folding knuckle attaches to the adapter.  

I think that Ace has several lengths available.

To convert, you will need a para bolt carrier, a para top cover with the spring and spring guide.  On the para, the recoil spring runs through the top of the bolt carrier.

Headspace should be checked after changing the bolt carrier, it's not supposed the effect headspace, but I'd check it anyway.

Thanks for the pics, FrenchKat.

Are the Israeli and IMBEL FAL stocks the shortest fixed stocks available besides the Ace stock and the Para stock?