Dumb Question about pistols

I’m probably getting confused with older editions or something. Just started reading 9th rules. Are pistols treated like assault weapon in that when you advance with a venom can I fire the blaster pistol w/ the minus 1 just like a regular blaster could?

No - pistols are their own weapon type, and can't be fired from a transport if said transport advanced: only Soaring Spite Harlequins get that honour.

But they can be shot during your shooting phase, even if your unit is stuck in CC.

That is their "thing" this edition.

Thanks for the clarification