A handle assembly for use with a surgical instrument having an operativedistal end portion isdisclosed. The handle assembly includes a housing, a drive element, anactuator, a spring arm, and abiasing element. At least a partial actuation of the actuator distallytranslates the drive element from aproximal position where a portion of the drive element is in contact with thespring arm to a distalposition where the drive element is not in contact with the spring arm.
