correct - you mentioned "perceived" recoil....however, when the load is the same, it will generate the same amount of energy. A lighter gun will react to that energy more so than a heavier one. Using a gas system to take advantage of that energy to operate the system spreads the energy out over a longer period of time, making it "feel" softer shooting. The energy generated hasn't changed. The gas gun, because of the gas system, is generally heavier than a comparable pump gun.
Target guns like Kolar, Krieghoff, etc. weigh 9-10 pounds because they are meant to be shot a LOT and carried very little - the weight helps to absorb, and thereby lessen, the recoil forces generated. A field gun is usually carried a lot and shot very little - most folks can handle the heavier recoil generated by just a few shots