A surgical fastener applying apparatus, comprising: an anvil half-section defining a longitudinal axis and a tissue contacting surface, the anvil half-section including a proximal end and a distal end； a cartridge receiving half-section mechanically coupled to the anvil half-section； and a multi-stage deflection control system mechanically coupled to the anvil half-section, the deflection control system being configured and adapted to reinforce the distal end of the anvil half-section upon application of a force thereto, the force acting on the anvil half-section in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the anvil half-section and normal to a plane defined by the tissue contacting surface, wherein the rate and/or degree of deflection of the distal end of the anvil half-section is reduced, when tissue is clamped between the distal ends of the anvil and staple cartridge receiving half-sections.
