I'm not one that believes Money Makes the Shooter:
Here is an example: My Model 70 Winchester, Douglas Prem Barrel, Bishop Stock, Weaver T-10, Weaver Mounts and Rings. I built the rail for the hand stop. I didn't count the price of the iron sights (Redfield Olympic) they were gifted by the Guard (excess). I shot this rifle in a heck of a lot of 1000 yard any rifle/any sight and any rifle/iron sight rifles. I got a deal on the action. I bought 6 of them for a total price of $235.
Here is the brake down:
Action 39.17
Barrel 90
stock 85
Hand Stop 15
Ring and Mounts 30
Scope used 140
Sling 60
Total $459.17
I did the work, the NG paid for the reamer and HS gages.
The gun still shoots and shoots good.
Also, in 1000 yard matches you have the Service Rifle Category. Again a sub-1000 rifle. I bought this M1A in 1977 for $295. Since I was shooting for the guard, they funded the conversion to a Super Match. The work was done by Gene Barnett (Barnett Barrels) who was an armor for the NGB MTU.
Best scores I ever fired at 1000 yards was this rifle. This rifle also got all my Distinguished Rifle points and badge.
Here is my latest, but I didn't build it, its one of the AMU built Model 70 target rifles in 308 that I got from the CMP for $640. It came with the blocks but no sights, I use the same sights/scope I use on my 300 WM 1000 yard gun. This I use on "across the course" and 1000 yard matches.
Again, I don't think its the cost of the rifle, I shot a 1000 yard match at Ft Lewis one year where the winner (from the WA ARNG) showed up with his Rem 700 243 hunting rifle saying he wanted to try it out. He whooped us all in the any rifle/any sight match. It was totally stock except he replaced the front sling swivel to take the 1 1/4 M1907 Tanner type sling.