An instrument includes a body, a shaft extending from the body, and an end effector in communication with the shaft. The end effector defines a longitudinal axis. The end effector includes first and second opposing jaws, a staple cartridge, and a placement tip. At least one of the first and second jaws is movable relative to the other of the first and second jaws between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The staple cartridge is coupled with the second jaw. The placement tip extends from a distal end of the first jaw or a distal end of the second jaw. The placement tip extends along a curvilinear path and terminates at a tip end. Successive perimeters of the placement tip taken perpendicular to the curvilinear path decrease moving toward the tip end. The tip end extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the end effector.
