You can use CA (super glue) or a 2 part epoxy to attach brass/aluminum barrels, resin and p/e parts to plastic. I personally like CA glue the best, you just have to line stuff up really quick with it.
Priming p/e makes sense, it's not absolutly necessary but can help with adhesion and more even color. I usually don't prime and just build the base coat up to even the color differences out. If you hve large areas of p/e, or an aluminum barrel, etc and don't prime, it's a good idea to scuff it with fine sandpaper before painting as this will give the paint some grip. I'd do it before priming also myself.
Eric