If you are building a hunting rifle and you really want to start hunting I recomend getting a decent scope and booking a pig hunt. $1,000 is a lot of money and you can get something nice for that go down to FFA or your local gunshop depending on where you live and look through a few and make your choice based on preference. Remember lighter is always better when hunting and acquiring your target is a big part of the battle so don't get a crazy high powered bench scope for your hunting rifle. Don't worry about buying another rifle yet use that money to get yourself out hunting, buy a shotgun, and get some camouflage etc. Turkey season is in 3 weeks get a shotgun and some camouflage and get out there. Guys kill animals all day long with entire rigs that cost less then $500.
If you want to get into hunting don't think about it too much, get out there and get your boots on the ground even if you don't get anything it will be fun. Don't get me wrong I like spending money on guns just as much as the next guy. But remember that a $300 Savage with a $200 Nikon will kill an animal just as easily as a $300 rig the trick is getting out there and getting that animal in the cross hairs. I am abusive on my guns they are tools not safe queens so a decent Leupold on my hunting rifle is all I need because I never want to be afraid of scratching it when I am on my belly crawling under a barb wire fence.
Buy a decent scope and call Neil at Giant Sequoia Guide service or the Jack ranch and book a hog hunt. You will learn a ton and get some bullets bloody.