What AR would shoot softer?

[ballsout]

Which set up would really be the softer shooter in these scenarios?

14.5" Middy vs 16" Middy ?

14.5" Carbine vs 16" Middy ?

[Warg]

If you're only comparing recoil characteristics (e.g., not muzzle climb) and assume all are DI with the same buffers, buffer springs, gas ports and muzzle devices:

14.5" middy <= (16" middy or 14.5" carbine) < 16" carbine

The 14.5" carbine and 16" middy are very similar, IMO, and not much different than the 14.5 middy. The most notable difference would be between the three you listed vs. a 16" carbine, but even so, I find most DI ARs shoot pretty softly. Heck, even my 120 lb wife doesn't find a 16" carbine with the older style Colt stock harsh.