Which do you prefer and why? Stock configuration for the purposes of this question. No custom guns.
I've got both... And I'd have to say my preference is with Browning's last design, the P35 HiPower.
Posetives- 9x19mm Parabellum (I like the cartridge... It's cheap.) High Capacity (13 beats 7.) External extractor. (Because tuning an extractor is lame.) Field strip. (MUCH easier than a 1911.)
Negatives- Trigger pull. (Not as good as 1911.) Magazine Safety (I removed mine... but I said stock, so I have to list it.)
One of the best features of the 1911 is the trigger pull. Even a 1911 with a so-so pull for a 1911 still has a good pull. I like the grip, especially on a model that has been scalloped under the trigger guard from the factory. A 1911 feels "right" in my hand. I like the feel of a 1911's recoil, there is some oomph but .45 ACP does not recoil hard in the Government Model. I can always see the holes in a target with .45 ACP. Holsters, magazines, and other parts and accessories are easy to find for a 1911, and generally inexpensive.
There is a lot of variety in the 1911 world. It seems everyone makes one, you could buy 20 different brands, no two exactly alike.
Finally, the 1911 is an old design, but it's just effective today as the day it was introduced. It is the same story with the P-35. Having both is the best way to go.
I currently have (9) 1911's in my arsenal and (4) 9mm's ect. I prefer the .45's and shoot them weekly, My favorites are Springfield TRP & Kimber Pro TLE II. I have put thousands of rounds through my Colts, Kimbers, Springfields & maybe 1000 through my Taurus. I have never, ever had any jams or stovepipes, failures to extract ect. out of any of my 1911's. Keep in mind I shoot 300-500 .45ACP rounds per week and have for years (skipping a week here or there). I do recall one time getting a round that was well dimpled in the primer but never went off some years ago. I have had failures in other style guns but never in any of my 1911's. I always wonder when I hear about tuning the extractor and various other 1911 problems on YA as I have as much experience with them as anyone I have ever met and I have apparently been very lucky not to have had any problems. Reliable, accurate but maybe a bit pricey, I still prefer the 1911's. My wife does prefer the 9mm's though, every week she takes one of the four to the range when we go.
If your wondering, I know its excessive but I have (104) 8 round Chip McCormick Powermags, I preload most of them with a Lula Speedloader and take them to the range, I shoot for 2 hours a weekend on average unless I am also shooting a rifle. And to be fair I usually buy 1 per year so each gets cycled at the range for about 1 year before it is tucked into the vault, then it is used sparingly.
Hi Power, its highly collectible if you are getting a military one, they were used by enemies and allies alike (Canadians used one as standard issue in WWII vs a German produced Hi power in WWII, the Brits used them against the Argies in the falklands and the Argies used one too, also the Iraqis used them, I have seen a few Iraqi issued ones, they have big Iraqi eagles on the top part of the slide). They are loaded with history and overall are good pistols, they shoot better than the 1911a1 in my opinion.
It basically comes down to which caliber you prefer. I'm more of a 9mm guy, but any self respecting gun collector should have both of these guns in his collection.