The best replacement for 38 special is 9mm.

The best alternatives to 38 special are rated as following:
★★★★★  9mm
★★★★  380
★★★  357
★★★  357 magnum
★★  38
★★  38 special p
★★  38 super
★  380 auto
★  380 acp
★  40 cal
★  9mm recoil
★  45
★  38 s&w
★  45 acp
  44 special
  40 s&w
  38+p
  357 mag
  38 special p ammo
  380 ammo
  9 millimeter
  .357 mag
  40 caliber
  38 long colt
  22lr
  357 magnum ballistics
  38 acp
  38 p
  22 magnum
  .45 acp
  38 + p
  45 colt
  .357
  .380
  .40 s&w
  .38 s&w special
  9 mm
  32 acp
  super
  38 smith and wesson
  plus p

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Speaking about 38 special, one probably shouldn't forget about reo speedwagon.

Other search terms related to 38 special and their ratings are:
★★★★★ reo speedwagon
★ donnie van zant
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38 special
9mm
380