I'm a lvl 31 hunter, and i've been thinking about upgrading my weapon.  Currently have a Searing Blade, but i think i kinda outgrew that, so...anyway, i have around 55g (but i don't want to have to spend ALL of it).  So should i dual-wield swords or go with a 2h?

If dual-wield, any suggestions?  I'm thinking Mercenary Blades (of STR or the Tiger).

If 2h, any suggestions?  I think it's between either a Combatant Claymore or an Archaic Defender (i like it's look, and the extra armor helps, but it might be just a tad expensive :(

btw, quick question about dual-wielding.  It seems like when you dual, you have a tendency to miss more often?  A LOT more often?  That's just what it seemed like when i was lvl 18 and using dual daggers.

It's really your choice. Hunters are primarily ranged. If you can get a weapon that adds to your agility, that will help your bow or gun (as will a nice scope from tradeskill or AH). As a 60 Hunter, I like dual wielding, each with an enchant. I opt for more agility, power, buffs etc on each, rather than going for maximum dps in melee on the weapon. 1H or 2H for a hunter is almost a style thing (my opinion). What do you like? Both can do decent damage. Do you want to do a bigger, slower hit, or do you get impatient waiting for the action. Dual wield is fun to do, and fast. So... It's up to you. One word of advice; when I was your level I was tempted (and did) spend a ton of gold on weapons. I think that was a mistake. You are going to level faster than you might think, and you want to feel you got a good value for your money. What every you buy, you will be getting rid of in a few levels. Get a nice green weapon (or two), and keep saving for that mount. Yes, you miss more with dual-wield, but when I actually watch my total dps and switch back and forth between dual wield and 2h, I find the difference to be negligable. I'm not going to recommend a specific weapon for your level. This site and others will give you a good idea of what is out there.

I know i'll be getting rid of what i buy soon anyway, that's why i don't want to spend a whole lot...But i think i'll start going dual.  looks so much cooler (and i do it in r/l too).  and i have another Q: is it possible to enchant bows at all?  or can you only use scopes on them?

BTW, last question: are there any swords that have the same look as a Archaic Defender (katana-style) that could be dual-wielded instead of 2h?

You cannot enchant bows. I use a +7 scope I got in the auction house.

I found a Ginn-su Sword listed that looks pretty cool.
http://wow.allakhazam.com/db/item.html?witem=9424
http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/883/ginnsusword7mu.jpg
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/992/ginnsu9lo.png

[li]When choosing between a two-hander or dual-wield, your only criteria should be how much a given weapon improves your ranged damage (+agility, +critical hit chance, +attack power, etc.). Any PvE hunter worth his or her salt should be spending negligible amounts of time at melee range, so your weapon slots are just extra slots for stat-boosting effects.

[li]Do you really need to buy a new weapon? If you happen to find something better, then great, but you should probably keep saving up for purchasing a mount at level 40 (if you are Honored with your own race, it will cost 72g for the mount and 18g for riding lessons).