A surgical clip applying apparatus includes a movable member biased in the housing adjacent the wedge plate. An actuator longitudinally advances the wedge plate a predetermined distance to a distal most position. The wedge plate has an end being disposed between first and second jaw portions at the distal most position. The wedge plate end is configured to maintain the jaw assembly in the spaced apart position during loading of the surgical clip and reduce torque and external forces on the jaw assembly during the loading. The movable member holds the wedge plate in the distal most position during the loading and the movable member is deflected at a conclusion of the loading, releases the wedge plate upon deflection, and allows a longitudinal proximal retraction of the wedge plate from the distal most position.