traditional
As noted in the other thread, traditional bullseye, "Conventional" pistol, is a three gun event. To shoot the whole 270 shot match, called a 2700 after the number of points possible, one needs a .22, a centerfire pistol of .32 cal or larger, a .45. Many shooters use the .45 for the CF match. Frequently, there are variations of these matches - 300s, 600s, 900s - with one or two guns.
You can shoot all of the matches in a 2700 as a single effort or just some of them - the CF match alone - if you wish.
You can compete with any "safe" gun that meets the caliber requirements. Over the years, certain pistols have risen to the top of the pile as less effective firearms "filter" out. Of the less expensive .22s, the Ruger Mk.II is probably the most common. In CF, for frugality, a .45 auto is the choice because it will allow you to shoot the .45 match also (though, I had a friend who liked to shoot his .45 Colt SAA in both matches. He had a lot of fun. He was not competitive.) Almost always the .45 Auto is a 1911.
So you may want to look around and see what you can buy nowadays in the .45 realm for the $ that you have on hand.
The only reason that I stayed away from .38s and 9mms is because, ala your question about traditional bullseye, that choice would limit your shooting (no .45 match).
Barrel length - 5 to six inches is the most common. Bull barrels tend to be the choice where possible.
Pete
