Question about characters and pre-orders

Okay, If I make a new char and pick the shotgunner, can I still use/be good with assault rifles?

Does picking a character only give you a starting weapon and the skills for everyone are the same?

I want assault rifle but I dont like the cornrows, I want the shotgunner look.

Also, if I make a new character, will I be able to redeem my pre-order items again?

Any character can use any gun, when you're creating your character the only difference is the clothes/weapons you start with nothing else. Also i believe the pre-order items are account wide, but can't confirm i'm only playing 1 character at the moment.