A surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle, an elongated body, a firing assembly, and a stapling assembly. The body extends from the handle and includes an engagement member rotatably supported on to a distal portion of the body. The engagement member defines an engagement slot and is axially movable about the body from a retracted position to an advanced position. The firing assembly includes a trigger, firing link, and pusher link. The pusher link is movably supported for distal translation through the body in response to actuation of the trigger. The stapling assembly houses a plurality of surgical staples and includes an outer shell having an engagement tab. The engagement member is rotatable relative to the body and the stapling assembly to releasably position the engagement tab within the engagement slot, thereby securing the stapling assembly at the distal end of the body.
