Grenades

Query on use of grenades. The rule says "Each time a unit shoots, a single model in the unit that is equipped with grenades may throw one instead of firing any other weapon" (Bold text mine)

Pistols can shoot in close combat. Can I use a grenade in close combat instead of shooting a pistol?

RAW? Yeah.

Melta bombs suddenly become rather tasty. Shame we haven't got any...

RAW, no.

Pistols can be shot in close combat.
Grenades do not have a rule which allows them to be used in close combat.
Its not the Pistols rule allowing you to fire, its the Pistols rule allowing Pistols to be used.

I agree that grenades do not have the rule but they are allowed to fire instead of any other weapon, which would include pistols thus giving me permission.

Of course it's a moot point anyway as pistols can't ever be used in close combat due to the fact that you can't pick a unit to shoot that is within 1" of an enemy unit in the first place!

So you can't shoot at the unit you're engaged with, but COULD shoot OUT of the combat?

Nope, Pistols can supposedly be fired from in close combat during the shooting phase (resolved as per normal with the exception that they must target the closest enemy unit). The model can shoot its pistol even if it is within 1" of an enemy unit. And can target that enemy unit, even if it is within 1" of a friendly unit.
Models with pistols and non-pistols must choose whether they are firing pistols or non-pistols.

This is all fine and dandy. Except it is resolved in the shooting phase.
And following the sequence of events outlined in the shooting phase...

Step 1. Pick a unit to shoot. You may not pick a unit that advanced or fell back this turn, or one that is within 1" of an enemy unit.

It's the same problem with the Assault rule.
Yes, those MODELS are allowed to fire those weapons outside of normal circumstances, but you cannot even select the UNIT that they are in to shoot during the shooting phase.

RAI is pretty clear, as is what most tourneys will likely rule, but RAW; Assault and Pistol are useless rules.