Since the OP is mentioning energy figures, I assume the intended use is CCW or defensive use? Fair enough, but the .38 Special can also shine for target and plinking purposes. Ammo has become more expensive (about 2x vs. 9x19), but it is a very easy cartridge to handload for whatever purpose strikes your fancy.
Target wadcutters are particularly fun to shoot from a .38 Special revolver, and depending of variables the same load in a carbine length barrel can sound almost like a .22 CB cap. The old H&R Topper in .357 Magnum made a pretty fair small game "rook rifle" for me with Federal target wadcutter ammo, back when I was just out of college.