So you're living in a world where all of the Cipher's initial spells fail to pass checks but the Wizard's can?
I'm sorry but you're spouting nonsense or playing horribly. The initial spells will most likely paralyze/lower resistances of the mobs. They now have penalties to deflection and defenses, allowing for blunderbuss or gun to hit.
After Biting/Draining Whip, you go full on range accuracy talents anyways. I'm not exactly sure how you're having trouble.