Gunfighter/rapid fire in melee? And assets verus members?

[PandaBearGuy]

Maybe I'm an idiot but i tried searching for these and failed.

1) Can a model (convict gunslinger) with the ability Gunfighter use his rapid fire action while in close combat?

2) If I have a gunsmith (M&SU asset) in my arcanists crew, can I then take Johan (M&SU member) for the reduced cost? (i.e. 6 base +1 for out of faction -1 for having gunsmith too = 6)

again, sorry if these have already been answered

[tadaka]

No rapid fire in melee. Its no longer a ranged attack its a melee attack and rapid fire is for ranged atk.

Johan can be picked up for 6 as long as you have some one in the crew to drop cost by 1

[Marcalla]

As stated above, rapid fire is for ranged attacks. Not for when you are using your gun in melee.

As to the second part, as it stands now, MS&U assets are not considered MS&U members. So no, as crazy as it may seem you may not hire Johan on the cheap if you only have assets such as the gunsmith in your crew. It will take another MS&U member such as union miners, rail workers, Kang ect for his "dues paid" to come into effect.