$1,000 for a hunting rifle is a decent budget for sure. I won't buy any bolt action rifle that doesn't have a locking bolt. I don't care if it's a push feed or CRF but it has to have a locking bolt or else to me it's not a serious hunting rifle. I much prefer stainless and synthetic for hard use and I don't want to lug around something that weighs 6-1/2 lb before the scope, rings and sling are attached. I bought my gf a Kimber 84M Montana in .308 Win a few years back and I wish she'd give it back to me. It weighs 5lb on the nose with nothing attached, it shoots great with the factory barrel but it's currently at Proof getting a CF barrel installed so I don't fancy my chances of ever owning it. If I were spending $1,000 today on a hunting rifle I'd buy a Kimber 84M Hunter in .308 Win or Kimber 84L Hunter in .280 AI or .30-06 Sprg. They check all the boxes for a hunting rifle, and all are more than capable out to 600 yards which is certainly getting out there for hunting with a light rifle.