LOL
JohnBT has it right. Chopsticks and bamboo barbecue skewers work well for me, and they don't scratch the finish. Tap them with a soup ladle, small hardback book, etc. They're loose-fit to the holes and held in by spring detents; they're not press-fit. If you tap them past the detents, they pop out. You just have to tap them twice, once for each retaining slot.
(Can you tell my gun cleaning area is between the kitchen and the grill?)
Re cleaning, you don't have to clean the trigger group every time. But when I bought my 35-year-old 1100, it failed to lock open when empty. I popped out the trigger group because I thought it would have a broken or worn part. It didn't; it just needed a good cleaning. Probably never got a good cleaning in its life. After I cleaned everything and oiled it lightly, the gun ran like new.
So, when you first get the thing, I'd strip it way down.
Take out the magazine tube contents, too, and thoroughly clean and lightly oil the tube and spring. If it has a wooden plug for hunting, replace it with a plastic one. Wood holds water and causes rust. My tube had a small amount of surface rust in it; again, it probably never got cleaned and was used for waterfowl at some point.
Also, replace the O-ring. It's probably hardened.
Never assume that the previous owner cleaned or maintained the gun. Always do that yourself when you get it.