A surgical stapler comprising: an actuation device ; a stapler reload configured to be releasably secured to the actuation device, the stapler reload including a body portion , a tool assembly , and a drive assembly extending between the body portion and the tool assembly, the body portion including a large diameter portion defining a first diameter and a small diameter portion defining a second diameter extending distally from the large diameter portion, the tool assembly being supported on a distal portion of the small diameter portion, wherein the small diameter portion is dimensioned to pass through an 8mm trocar; and a shipping lock releasably secured to the large diameter portion of the body portion and engagable with the drive assembly for preventing longitudinal movement of the drive assembly wherein the drive assembly includes a drive member and the shipping lock includes a locking pin , the locking pin being received through the drive member when the shipping lock is secured to the body portion to prevent longitudinal movement of the drive member; further including a locking plate , wherein the locking plate engages the locking pin prior to the stapler reload being secured to the actuation device; wherein the locking plate is configured to disengage from the locking pin when the stapler reload is properly secured to the actuation device ; and further including a locking sleeve received about a proximal portion of the body portion of the stapler reload, wherein rotation of the locking sleeve from a first position to a second position moves the locking plate out of engagement with the locking pin. an actuation device ; a stapler reload configured to be releasably secured to the actuation device, the stapler reload including a body portion , a tool assembly , and a drive assembly extending between the body portion and the tool assembly, the body portion including a large diameter portion defining a first diameter and a small diameter portion defining a second diameter extending distally from the large diameter portion, the tool assembly being supported on a distal portion of the small diameter portion, wherein the small diameter portion is dimensioned to pass through an 8mm trocar; and a shipping lock releasably secured to the large diameter portion of the body portion and engagable with the drive assembly for preventing longitudinal movement of the drive assembly wherein the drive assembly includes a drive member and the shipping lock includes a locking pin , the locking pin being received through the drive member when the shipping lock is secured to the body portion to prevent longitudinal movement of the drive member; further including a locking plate , wherein the locking plate engages the locking pin prior to the stapler reload being secured to the actuation device; wherein the locking plate is configured to disengage from the locking pin when the stapler reload is properly secured to the actuation device ; and further including a locking sleeve received about a proximal portion of the body portion of the stapler reload, wherein rotation of the locking sleeve from a first position to a second position moves the locking plate out of engagement with the locking pin. <EOS>