Answering the question “which Soviet infantry sets are best for Bolt Action,” this guide highlights five highly relevant, reproducible options for American players. Each selection is best for different needs—from complete platoon packs to multi-figure starter armies—so you can build a cohesive Soviet force on the tabletop. The top picks cover summer and winter uniforms, multi-pose infantry, and combined arms that fit Bolt Action rules. Use the buyer’s notes below to compare squad size, customization potential, and assembly requirements.
| Product | Best For | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Soviet Army Infantry Platoon (Summer) – Warlord Games | Full platoon with diverse weapons | 30 figures with weapon variety and extra pieces for character |
| Soviet Army 1943-45: Berlin Bound – Warlord Games | Complete starter force | 42 infantry plus support weapons and vehicles for a robust start |
| Soviet Red Army Infantry 1:56 – Warlord Games | Paintable, multi-pose infantry | 40 figures ready for assembly and painting with high pose variety |
| Soviet Infantry Winter Troops 1:56 – Warlord Games | Winter campaigns | 40 multi-pose figures suitable for cold-weather battles |
| Forward to Berlin Soviet Army Starter – Wargames Delivered | 42-piece mixed force | Starter set with multiple infantry and support options |
Soviet Army Infantry Platoon (Summer) – Warlord Games
Best for building a flexible, ready-to-pose Soviet squad with many weapon options. This 30-figure set includes Mosin-Nagant rifles and carbines, DPM light machine guns, anti-tank rifles, submachine guns, a captured Panzerfaust, a sniper rifle, and extra pieces for distinct units. It’s ideal for players who want a versatile force with authentic character and numerous conversion possibilities. A care should be taken with small parts; some pieces require assembly and glue. Best for players who enjoy customizing infantry squads and portraying varied combat roles.
Soviet Army 1943-45: Berlin Bound – Warlord Games
This box is a strong all-in-one starter for a Soviet Bolt Action collection. It contains 42 multi-pose infantry, two medium machine gun teams, one medium mortar team, one platoon commander, plus a T-34/85, Katyusha rocket launcher, ZiS-3 gun, bases, decals, and vehicle damage markers. It’s best for players starting a new army or those who want immediate variety in both infantry and support elements. Caution: metal ZiS-3 and tanks come unassembled and unpainted, requiring additional time for assembly and painting.
Soviet Red Army Infantry 1:56 – Warlord Games
Choose this if you want an expansive, paintable infantry set with high pose variety. The 40 figures cover the 1941-1945 period with ready-to-assemble and paintable models, ideal for players who want to customize uniforms, weapons, and field positions. The set emphasizes pose variety and detailed sculpts. A limitation is that some parts may require careful trimming during assembly to keep uniform lines neat for painting.
Soviet Infantry Winter Troops 1:56 – Warlord Games
Best for snow campaigns and winter operations, this set provides 40 multi-pose 28mm figures cast in hard plastic. These soldiers are designed for cold-weather kits and gear, making them ideal for campaign scenarios on the Eastern Front during 1941-42 and similar conditions. A noted limitation is that winter kits may require extra detailing to depict snow camouflage and weathering on armor or equipment.
Forward to Berlin Soviet Army Starter – Wargames Delivered
This starter set targets players who want a balanced mix of infantry and heavy support, including a robust platoon framework with 42 multi-pose plastics and additional heavy support options. It supports rapid force-building and offers flexible squad composition to reflect strategic choices on the tabletop. Limitation: as with many starter kits, some models arrive unassembled and unpainted, requiring glue and paint to finish.
Bolt Action Soviet Army (Winter) Starter Army – Warlord Games
Best for players who want a cohesive winter-focused force with a steady infantry core. This starter army is designed for Bolt Action play in cold-weather conditions and provides an organized basis for a growing Soviet force. Assembly and painting are required, and the kit is suitable for players who enjoy expanding from a core platoon into a larger battle-ready army.
Buying Guide
- What scale should I choose? Most Bolt Action Soviet infantry kits are 28mm/1:56 scale and are designed to be compatible with standard wargaming boards and vehicles.
- What is essential for a first army? A solid infantry core (about 30-40 figures) plus at least one support option (machine guns, mortars, or a tank) provides a balanced start for most players.
- Which kits offer the best customization? Multi-pose infantry sets with diverse weapon options allow you to customize squads and reflect battlefield roles more accurately.
- Are winter variants worth it? If you plan campaigns set on the Eastern Front during winter, winter troops provide authentic uniforms and gear for realistic scenarios.
- What about assembly and painting? Most of these kits are unassembled and unpainted. Expect to spend time assembling and painting to achieve a high-quality look on the tabletop.
FAQ
- Q: Do these sets include bases? A: Most kits include bases and optional decals or markers, but check each product’s description for specifics.
- Q: Can I mix different brands in one army? A: Yes, as long as the scale matches, you can combine figures from compatible brands to customize your force.
- Q: Are metal accessories included? A: Some sets include metal components like ZiS-3 or tank parts; many are plastic and unpainted, requiring assembly and painting.
- Q: What is the recommended number of figures for a Bolt Action platoon? A: A typical Bolt Action platoon often benefits from 30-42 infantry figures plus one or two support options, depending on the scenario.
- Q: Do these kits require glue? A: Yes, most sets are unassembled and require glue and paint to finish.
- Q: Which set is best for beginners? A: Berlin Bound and Forward to Berlin Starter sets are strong for starting a complete force with structured options.