I've used an aluminum base on a few 788's. They're plenty sturdy and it wouldn't be easy to bend one. I don't recall ever seeing any type of steel Weaver-style base for a 788. One of mine has a Browning steel base with conventional rings. Today, steel 788 bases aren't so easy to find unless you happen onto one. A 788 action being round the whole length, you might could improvise if you're determined to have steel. Maybe look into using 2 steel Weaver-style front bases for a 700, also what goes on the new Savage with a round bridge. Sharp Shooters Supply sells a really nice one-piece Savage base using Weaver style rings, and they might have it for the new action. Improvising would likely mean a couple new mount holes, which isn't a big deal.