You may like one make and someone else a different make. However, both are satisfied with what they have. Section 3 of the NRA Pistol Rule Book defines authorized equipment and ammunition. This section is not meant to restrict equipment but to define limitations. Up until about 30 years ago the revolver was the one to use.
Some competitors still use a revolver, but the autoloader is now used almost exclusively.
Autoloaders have been developed where they are capable of top-notch accuracy. This is fired with .22 caliber rimfire, center fire, and .45 caliber pistols. However, it is not necessary that you have 3 different guns. In most tournaments you may enter and fire only one or more states of the aggregate. Many competitors entering the complete aggregate only own a .22 and .45 caliber pistol since the .45 caliber may be used for the center fire stage.