15A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that includes a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein one of the first and second jaws is selectively movable relative to the other of the first and second jaws upon application of a closure motion to the surgical end effector. In one form, a proximal closure member is configured to be axially advanced a complete closure stroke distance upon application of a closure actuation motion thereto. A distal closure member movably interfaces with the proximal closure member such that the distal closure member moves an axial closure distance in response to axial movement of the proximal closure member through the complete closure stroke distance to thereby cause the distal closure member to apply the closure motion to the surgical end effector. In at least one arrangement, the axial closure distance is less than the complete closure stroke distance.
