BTW
October 9th is their last shoot for 2004.

Thanks xphunter. I sounds like a lot of fun. I have a 7mm-08 TC Encore I want to start playing with at long ranges. I will be on training wheels (300yds.) for a while.

It is a lot of FUN!
You might as well come and join the fun and s-t-r-e-t-c-h that barrel. It will make 300 yards look short after you spend several days at 1000.

I visited with Gordy on the phone yesterday and the handgun class is going to continue. I know of two other guys who plan to shoot in the handgun class already. One guy just needs a little more prep time and the other plans to build an XP. The last 1000 yd. match of the year in Pella is October 9th. I have a committment which I don't think is going to allow me to be there, but I think Marc Sheehan, Eric W., Tim North (Broughton Barrels) and Al F. plans to be there again.
My son, Erik told me that he would like to shoot at 1000 yards also come this spring. So I plan to have either the 14 inch 260 Rem or the 17 inch 6.5-284 barrels ready to go in the MOA for him to use. This is a good time to get started in a discipline, when it is new and at the grassroots level. A 308 class cartridge (260 & 7-08 would be real good) or above with a 14-18 inch barrel (of course you will need to have the right twist to stabilize your higher BC bullets), and a scope of 9x power or higher. Many of you already have the rigs that are capable of shooting 1000 yard bench. In a Contender the 223 AI, 222Rem Mag AI, or the 5.6x50R Bellm with 1x6.5 twist, 1 in 7 twist & maybe the 1 in 8 twist with the barrel length in the 16-18 inch range will get you to 1000 nicely. In fact, A Contender in the 223 AI or 222 Rem Mag AI with the 1-7 twist will equal if not beat most 260 Rem, 7-08, or 308's in handgun lengths for 1000 yard shooting.
Barrels can be no longer than 18 inches. Brakes are allowed and are not considered as part of the 18 inch maximum. With the handgun class you also get a spotter to call your shots during the 6 minute sighter period since the recoil knocks you off of your sight picture.

xphunter do they ever shoot .50 cal. at that range in pella?

JJB,
Not that I know of (But I have only been there for one shoot). That does not mean it is not so. I would go to their web page and find the link for Gordy and contact him. He will be able to give you the correct answer.