Is it better to power up snipper rifle or buy better gear?

In my opinion it is better to upgrade your weapon more so than your gear.

Neither, but I’d go with gun first. As you gear up you’ll receive less trophies(how you get promoted) and face tougher opponents. Dude with no gear gets a head shot and even if no kill occurs he tally’s trophies. Points are awarded from the damage you inflict. Go for high profile/gear targets. Empty the clip, even if you die you will benefit.