You can get a Marlin 60 for about $150. A Mossberg Persuader will run you somewhere near or less than the $350 mark at most. That leaves $500 for a good rifle. I’ve seen Remington 700/.308 tacticals selling for $594. $1000 isn’t too far off the mark.
I agree on the Marlin, fun little rifle. I was assuming he was purchasing new. Therefore using my favorites: Mossberg 835 - $550 add $175 for the slug barrel and $20 for a sling.
Weatherby Vanguard 300WM - $600, add at least $200 for a decent quality scope and mounts. $50 for the sling. 150 for the Marlin brings the total to $1795 and there has been no ammo purchased.
If the purchaser is content to buy pre-owned then that is a different story. If they take their time and look maybe $1000 can do it.