You don’t need $3k optics to shoot 1k yards. I’ve often shot competition in 1k and 1 mile competitions with a Vortex Strike Eagle 6-24. I prefer better glass, and usually shoot a Razor Gen 2 4.5-27. However, 1000 yards, and a low BC cartridge, there is barely any dial up needed. 1k yard is not that far with a modern rig. 1-mile is a different story, and you can still use cheaper optics, full dial up, some hold over, + 20 or 40 moa riser or rings.
Your friend needs some serious training and trigger time to learn he should not be taking a 1k yard cold bore shot on a live animal though. Some of the best wind readers in the world would still hesitate to shoot at animal at 1k. Bring it down to 750-800 yards, and low wind conditions, a very experience shooter would be just fine. A very experienced shooter. I can hit a target at a mile. I would not want to wound an animal at 1k.
Your friend needs some serious training and trigger time to learn he should not be taking a 1k yard cold bore shot on a live animal though. Some of the best wind readers in the world would still hesitate to shoot at animal at 1k. Bring it down to 750-800 yards, and low wind conditions, a very experience shooter would be just fine. A very experienced shooter. I can hit a target at a mile. I would not want to wound an animal at 1k.