Yes, my first response to newbies is usually "Don't make tier difference matches unless you really know what you're doing!" If Bob can only damage Alen with a gun, he better hope to Jesus that Alen doesn't survive past the magazine, because he is screwed if he does, or if Alen uses cover, or any number of other things.
A higher tier weapon is nice to have, yes, but I still recommend matching within the physical tier because straight up, those are the matches you can find and think there might be a fun debate waiting!
Most characters can't do anything to WoD mage that aren't from WoD themselves! That's the point of these lists, it's a massive dick measuring contest and the winner is tabletops and chinamen 90% of the time, least as far as the smurf list is concerned!