I think you are over-pricing the cost of that rifle. A used, good condition, .30 caliber semi-automatic hunting rifle can be obtained for $300-$500. At least that's what I paid for my deer rifle, a 742 Remington. Granted, buying brand new would run you into that $1000 dollar range, but I've always been of the opinion that you should let some other sucker deal with manufacturing defects and the huge initial depreciation.

That being said, a firearm that you don't practice with isn't much good either. If shooting was as easy as the video games and movies make it look...