We often try out each others pistols at the range. Rugers have great well made pistols that do feel and shoot well. Browning has never been as popular (likely due to marketing), but as others have posted, in my hands, they have the edge over Ruger in accuracy and trigger; I also really like the balance of the Browning better. I have a High Standard, and I would not trade it for either. It's an older pistol with an amazing trigger, that has always been super accurate. It's not fancy, no adjustable sights; tapered sportsman barrel, and starting to look it's age. I have also had the good fortune to try the target version of the High Standard, and the heavier barrel does seem to tighten up my groups just a bit.
Those who have tried mine out agree on the trigger and the accuracy. These are only available used now, but nice ones do come up at a reasonable price from time to time.
A few who have "traded up" from their High Standards for newer, fancier and shinier guns, have often regretted sending their old HS down the road.
This is a picture of one exactly like mine, it has the same sights, the same grips, and the same electro-less nickle finish:
