I've got a S&W 629 Classic with 6.5 inch barrel. I'm thinking about putting a scope on it this spring. What do yall suggest? I'm thinking of the Leupold FX-II 2x20mm. Are there any other handgun scopes out there of similar quality for under $400? I'm a complete virgin to scoped handgun hunting.....

I use a scope on my Contender Pistols.They are not fast for aquireing a shot at animals.I use a red dot scope on my Revolvers.Much faster and good for me to 100yds plus.Some here use them to 200 yds and beyond with good luck.Regular scopes have a small field of view and it is hard to get the right arm distance to get a decent picture.If you have all the time in the world to make your shot,they are OK.I use leupold 2 1/2 - 8`s on my Contenders.

Of the many handguns I have wearing scopes only one of my revolvers has a scope.

It's a 7 &1/2" Redhawk and guess what? It has a 2X Leupold.
I guess you have my vote on that one. I have the same scope on my .44 mag contender as well.

I like the fixed X Leupolds for quality and price. I have a 4X on my .22 Hornet and .357 Herrett Contenders.

My 8 3/8" Model 629 Classic wears a Nikon 2x20 with Buehler mount. Its color matches the gun's stainless finish and it's held up well to lots of heavy loads. It came with the gun so I don't know the separate cost, but the whole outfit was $600 if that's any help. I imagine $400 ought to way more than cover it.

Do you want the scope mainly for magnification or for more precise aiming? Which it is makes a difference.

I'm definitely looking into a scope for more precise aiming. I want to use this gun for shots under 100 yards. I won't be making any wild attempts at long range shooting with this pistol.

What red dot scopes should I look into?

I have the same S&W as you and mine wears a 2x Leupold. Works fine, but as others have said it's a small field of view, but remember the FOV gets smaller with higher magnification scopes. Takes a little practice at first, but now whenever I pick up the revolver the deer is always in the scope.

What about putting an Aimpoint or similar sight on this gun? Any suggestions?

I have used Ultra Dot non-magnifying red dots on several handguns for years. However, the Leupold 2X scope is PERFECT for your needs, as you describe them with your 629..

+1 for the 2X Leupold. I have had one on my Stalker conversion for the past 20 years or so and it has not failed me. I have also used these on various S&W revolvers over the years will equally good results.

Here're some I found with just a quick web search - http://www.opticsplanet.net/red-dot-scopes.html. And here's one that matches the gun's finish - http://www.opticsplanet.net/si...ghting-s33-4rst.html. I'm not familiar with that brand, but I do like the reticles shown. I'd pick the "D" recticle. I like the idea of a circle or something out around the red center dot. Seems like it would be helpful for quick target acquisition. Also seems with some you can vary the size of the dot or change it to green in low light and to red in bright light.

I've got Leupold 2x and 4x on revolvers and I like the 4x better. The 2x seems like a 1x to me.

I have written Leupold several times to try and get them to make compact 2x to 5x revolver scope, but no reply from them.