Re: The Browning High Power. The current pistol has many improvements over the original model of 1935. For instance, there has been an external extractor on the pistol since 1962. Since 1994, when Browning went to a cast frame to handle the .40 S&W round, the pistols have been stronger and more durable. Patrick Sweeney has extensively tested a recent production 9mm High Power. This pistol had endured over 20k rounds without problems. If you want a High Power, buy a new one from Browning/FN and enjoy. That said, the trigger will be rough, it has the damned magazine connect device, and putting better sights on it will require extra expense and work to cut the slide for fitting the sights.
If a steel-framed pistol is to your liking though, the CZ-75 remains a best buy. New ones can be had for less than $500. They are good shooters and a great bargain.
For polymer-framed pistols, I prefer the Glock 17 because it is a proven design, durable, easy to maintain or repair, parts are readily available from many sources, the magazines for it are inexpensive, and new sights for it may be fitted in five minutes. There are many good holsters for the G17 too, and they are easy to find.
The one complaint some shooters have about the Glock is the grip angle, which they find uncomfortable while it causes them to shoot high. If this problem is present, the Springfield XD or the S&W M&P 9mm pistols are good alternatives that work well for folks too.
Yet, these two models are not as extensively supported in the aftermarket. Most repairs require a shipment back to the factory. While both companies provide good customer service in this regard, the bottom line is you are pistol-less unless you have a back up. Most of us reading this forum have other pistols, but, for the shooter who can only afford one pistol, the Glock 17 will respond better to the individual user's efforts to keep it up and running.
My recommendation: Glock 17.