It can be done.
I've worked on several J frames and never had this happen.
Was putting the front screw in, the one that holds the yoke for the cylinder.
(New 43C, had the plate off once before.)
Went to snug the screw and it popped and started turning again.
The hollow outer threads broke off and stayed in the gun.
I'm no gorilla arm, so I'm thinking this screw was defective.
Are they normally that easy to break?