A method of manufacturing a surgical instrument for deploying a plurality of surgical fasteners. The method uses the step of building a frame with a proximal end and a distal end, and assembling a handle onto the proximal end of the frame. The method also involves the step of building a support structure at least partially from aluminum, such that the support structure is adapted to a plurality of surgical staples. The method also involves the step of assembling the support structure onto the distal end of the frame.