Thanks for the advice, I gave it another try last night. I'm working with an LMT lower receiver (pricey!), and there is no opening/but out from inside the receiver, near the trigger, etc.

I cleaned the threads inside the threaded hole and the screw itself.

I lubricated the screw hole and the screw and tried to get it to go in, but I hit a hard wall and I'm not trying to force it at that point.

Further, I'm using a screw that is for a flat head screw driver, and I've purchased a grip screw that is a hex head for better purchase with my torque driver.

Would you guys suggest once I get the new screw I just muscle it past the "block" or stopping point and take it from there?

As for the Helicoil/TimeSert I do have a vise (not a drill press).