Hiya, Natedog.
My favorite is the Browning, hands down. MUCH better fit, finish, and all-around feel. Absolute reliability. The finish (MkIII epoxy) is practically bulletproof.
I actually only got the FEG because I was (and still am) helplessly attached to my Browning. I just couldn't bring myself to attempt to take it completely apart... I was deathly afraid I'd hurt something. My FEG was my "learner," and has since become my project pistol just because it is so fun to tinker with.
I know now that you'd have to be pretty rough to damage your HP when detail-stripping, but I was infinitely comforted by the fact that I was working on my beater $200 gun instead of my first pistol, a nice $550 Browning.
My Browning serves bedside duty. My FEG became the one to put tons of rounds through, to wear in the brush and mud, to dry-fire the crap out of. Don't get me wrong, I'm attached to each, but I'd give up my FEG long before I'd give up my Browning (which would require death).
Both are very reliable, though. The MkIII has had exactly 0 malfunctions, and the FEG has had 2 (if I don't count the crap magazine that wouldn't function for its own mother), in about 2,000 rounds through each pistol.
I looked at your profile -- you're in the same boat as me, meaning under 21.
A crappy place to be if you like pistols. You'll probably have to wait until you're at least 18... at that point, you can buy from private sellers. It's very hard to find what you're looking for from a private seller, as it relies more on luck and timing. 3 more agonizing years, and you can buy from dealers, which will make it a lot easier to find what you want.
If you have any more questions, I'd be glad to answer them.
Wes