This invention provides hermetically-sealed handle assembly with a rotating trigger for use with disposable components, such as surgical clip appliers. The rotating trigger reduces the gripping force necessary to fully control the internal actuator mechanism to operate a disposable surgical clip applier to fully ligate a vessel or other tissue. The hermetic seal on the handle assembly prevents any patient fluids and other bioburden from entering the internal structures. This reduces the possibility of cross-contamination and the costs of sterilization.