At the risk of sounding sacrilegious, I would recommend against the BHP. Disclosure: I've owned one for the last 25 years.
The gun is heavy, not super accurate, expensive and the new Mk.IIIs have the crappiest trigger I have ever had the displeasure to try. The weird double thumbshelf grips aren't too sh$t hot either! You need to remove the dumb mag disconnect safety to even smooth out the trigger slightly. Now that you're out of the army, treat yourself with something modern! Nostalgia can only carry you so far!
Like others said, if you want a metal gun, go with the Beretta or CZ. If you don't want a "Commie" gun, get a 1911 in 9mm. If you want polymer, Glock, Walther, HK, S&W, Arsenal. SIGs with the SRT triggers are also top notched!
The best thing is to try them all out. Go into your LGS, hopefully with a large and varied selection, hold and handle all of them. Buy the one that gives you the biggest woodie! Done!