If by "special attacks" you mean "skills that are attacks", then absolutely. Gunners even get a few of these from perks. I'm also fairly certain there are weapon shops. See the below, from Windel's summary on Gunners.
(why do I always backtrack to Gunners?)
[quote=TheWindel]Main weapon is a gun of choice, and silencers may be [u]purchased[/u] with a high enough level.[/quote]

Other than that, I don't have an answer to any of those questions except the "get other people's skills & stuff" one. I'm pretty sure that wouldn't work. But I'm just the co-GM; if Windel approves it then my opinion is moot :3