A surgical fastener applying apparatus includes an anvil half-section (12′) including a distal anvil (12b′) and a proximal handle (12a′) defining a release aperture (185′) at its proximal end. A cartridge receiving half-section (14′) has a distal portion (24a′) dimensioned to receive a single use loading unit and a proximal portion (24b′) configured to support a firing assembly (20′). A clamping lever (16′) is secured to the cartridge receiving half-section and includes a handle portion (190′) supporting an engagement member (218′). A firing assembly is configured to be supported within the proximal portion of the cartridge receiving half-section. The clamping lever is movable from an undamped position to a clamped position to releasably secure the anvil of the anvil half-section in close approximation with the single use loading unit. In the clamped position, the engagement member of the clamping lever releasably engages the latch portion (210′) of the locking member (206′) and the release member (212′) extends at least partially into the release aperture.