The distinguishing feature of the 788 is its rear-lugged bolt. The bolt has 9 lugs in three rows of three lugs each. They lock into the receiver behind the magazine well. Because of this design, the bolt handle lifts only 60 degrees on opening giving more clearance for scopes compared to the 90 degrees required for the Model 700 and other two-lugged bolts. The distance the bolt travels rearward is also reduced because of the rear lugs. Finally, the diameter of the receiver is smaller making the receiver stiffer and potentially more accurate.