A surgical instrument with improved firing system comprising an elongate channel assembly that has a distal end and a proximal end and is constructed to operably support a staple cartridge assembly therein. The instrument may further include a knife assembly that is oriented for travel within the elongate channel assembly. At least one first cable transition support is operably mounted to the distal end of the elongate channel and at least one second cable transition support is operably attached to the knife assembly. A first cable is affixed to the distal end of the elongate channel assembly and extends around the first and second cable transition supports to interface with a cable drive system. In various embodiments, the cable drive system may comprise a winch assembly or a pinion driven rack.