Coal Dragger
member
If you really want a soft shooting AR stick with the rifle length gas system. Plus the parts last longer!I have a mid length BCM and carbine length BCM. Subjectively, recoil feels the same to me in both. Both have been reliable performers. In theory, component lifespan should increase in mid length gas systems as compared to carbine gas systems. But, I've not seen hard figures or studies to indicate how much longer parts should last or that they even do. ( I believe that they likely do, btw.)
In short, if both systems are reliable and one might have longer parts life/less recoil it makes sense to go mid length. However, well made carbines are still a viable option in my opinion and I feel adequately armed with either of my rifles.
I have a Daniel Defense DDM4 V11 PRO with the 18" S2W barrel and rifle length gas, it is very soft shooting. I love me some rifle length gas systems.