Applicator instruments with inverted handles and triggers, curved shafts, and visible orientation indicia

An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a housing, a firing system moveable along a first axis, a handle extending upwardly from the housing along a second axis that defines an acute angle with the first axis, the handle having an upper free end that defines a top of the applicator instrument, a trigger coupled with the housing for activating the firing system, and an elongated shaft extending from the distal end of the housing, the elongated shaft having a proximal shaft section extending along the first axis and a distal shaft section that is oriented at an angle relative to the proximal shaft section for extending upwardly toward the top of the applicator instrument. The trigger is squeezed for dispensing surgical fasteners from the distal end of the elongated shaft. The applicator instrument has at least one visual indicator for indicating a proper orientation for the applicator instrument in which the upper free end of the handle is positioned above the housing.