A surgical instrument (100) having a handle portion (110), an elongated portion (120) defining a longitudinal axis therethrough, an end effector (230), and a pin (254). The elongated portion extends distally from the handle portion. The end effector is disposed adjacent the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member (250) and a second jaw member (260). The pin is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first jaw member and includes an engaging section (280). In operation, the pin moves between a first position and a second position. While in the first position, the engaging portion of the pin is spaced from the second jaw member. In the second position, the engaging portion of the pin engages the second jaw member. The second jaw member includes a locking structure (290) configured to maintain the position of the second jaw member with respect to the first jaw member during actuation of the end effector.
