Drawing vs Sniper

Heys!

I'm wondering how does Drawing Out The Beast interact with Sniper Rifle if the minion with Sniper is blocking? Is Sniper used before combat begins or Drawing cancels its setting the range effect?

Sniper Rifle

[Equipment] Equipment

[2 Pool]

Weapon, gun.
2R damage each strike. Only usable at long range. If the bearer blocks an action, he or she may, before range is determined, set the range for the first round of the resulting combat to long; if he or she does so, skip the determine range step that round, and the bearer's initial strike that round must be with this weapon.


Drawing Out the Beast

[Combat] Combat

[Animalism] Animalism

Only usable before range is determined on the first round. Frenzy.
[ani] During this combat, opposing vampire gets +1 strength, but he or she cannot use maneuvers to maneuver to long range, cannot use presses to end combat and cannot use equipment. A vampire may play only one Drawing Out the Beast each combat.
[ANI] As above, and the opposing vampire takes 1 unpreventable damage during the press step each round.

Normal rules about who goes first apply here:

Acting minion goes first, so it can play DotB before minion with Sniper Rifle can set range. Since DotB denies use of equipment, minion with Sniper Rifle can't set range because SR can't be used.

Acting minion get first chance to use an effect.

Acting minion will play Drawing out the Beast first before range and before blocking minion can set range.

LSJ answer

the wierd reason would be : acting minion has a sewer lid in hand and/or does not want to be hit by hands for two

Correct answers from Jussi and jhattara.