Game scale

It is quite notional.   Old timers in the wargames community know that increased realism equals decreased playability.

What is Bolt Actions game scale. Not the figures, but distance. 1″ equals how many meters/yards/feet/etc.?

Bolt Action has no precise ground or time scale. These aspects of the game are somewhat abstract and tailored for gameplay rather than adhering to any actual scale. That is to say, ranges are adjusted for playability while maintaining a level of practicality.  It would have been nice had they mentioned this in the rules because this question does come up from time to time.

However, some rule books do mention this interesting aspect of gaming for the benefit of a new player the to hobby. The Flames of War rule book for example does this, but also stress that it uses a none linear scale rather than an abstract scale.

Howdy Nat!  IINM, max effective range for a standard military rifle, with iron sights, is gonna be something like 600 yards.  To shoot a point target at a mile, you’d need a sniper-grade weapon, match ammo and a decent scope….AND be a better than average shooter.  You could maybe hit an area target at a mile with iron sights.  I made Sharpshooter in the USMC.  I could hit a man-sized target at 500 yards, with an M16.  A .303 Enfield fires a full-length rifle cartridge, unlike the M16, but it’s not gonna make much difference for normal people….

The Bren gun probably has a longer barrel and does have an integral bipod.  While not designed to be as accurate as a rifle, it’ll be better at area targets.  With an M60 machinegun, with only a bipod, I could hit area targets at 1200 yards….and Stuart’ll tell ya a Bren is as good as any machinegun.  Just busting your chops, Stuart!