Have a redhawk in .44 with a 71/2" barrel. Do I NEED a scope if I keep shots under 75 yds? I have never hunted with a handgun, and want to do this the right way. I would rather pass on a shot than wound and not recover an animal.

i don't think you HAVE to have one at those ranges, but it makes accurate shots EASIER imo. although if you've never used a scoped handgun....a lil practice is in order to get used to picking up/picking out the target.

have a 2x burris on mine....n wouldn't have it any other way. of course a 2x leupold would serve the same purpose.

I'm with Kyle. Kinda...
My S&W mod. 29 wears an UltraDot red dot sight. No magnification, but no sights to focus on. At 46 my eyes don't focus on multiple objects (front/rear sight, target. And yes I know nobody's eyes can focus at three distances at once, but you know what I mean) as well as they once did, so this works well for me, & target aquisition is quick. Mind you I wouldn't mind a 2x scope either.
My Contenders all have scopes.
Welcome to the sport. I'll bet you're gonna love it, & you're starting out with a great weapon.

If you practice enough anything is possible. If you can consistantly keep your shots in a paper plate size target from 0-75 yds with open sights then you can hit a deers vitals from that same distance. Shoot n See now makes a target with deer vitals and I have been using them with both my scoped and unscopes handguns at various ranges. Dont forget that handgunning is a bit more challenging than long guns and when that deer is in front of you the adrenaline starts to pumping and holding that gun out at arms length gets a bit rough. Practice under actual hunting conditions when possible with the rests that you may be using. Practice as much as possible and enjoy your new found sport.

Go punch some paper and see how you do. If you can consistantly shoot 4" groups @ 50 yards then you're probably okay. You might want to look into a fine front bead and V rear for hunting. Things change when the game is on the hoof! Under 100 yards with a wheelgun I like a quality red dot or holo-type sight. You can shoot with both eyes open and target acquisition is instant. With a wee bit of practice it becomes automatic, just watch your battery power Scotty.

No a scope is not neccesary but highly prefered IMO.
At ranges less then 100 yards a 2x or red dot is the way to go...

All my hanguns wear a varible scope to some degree. Of coarse thats my preference.
My Rugar BlackHawk 357 Mag revolver does not, but then again I do not hunt with it.