Two types of trigger mechanisms were used on matchlock muskets, lever and trigger. The lever trigger was borrowed from crossbows of the mid-15th century and was used throughout the 17th century. The trigger lock resembles a modern gun trigger and was introduced in the late-16th century. We have found evidence of both types of matchlock trigger mechanisms at Jamestown.

This is a lever trigger off of a matchlock musket. To fire the musket the lever was pulled up toward the stock which depressed the lighted match into the pan holding the powder.