I would say that Pistols are a more a multi-target, condition weapon, while rifles are a single-target power damage weapon. Either way, an Engineer is pretty much a ranged build — so you need to be patient with it. Think before acting.
Dungeon’s can be made easier for Engineers if you adjust your traits/build for a particular Dungeon. I find turret builds to be great for CM, but not necessarily others.
The only time I use the FT is in WvW – and I’m in side a tower firing thru a gate. Other than that, it’s only a cosmetic toy.