I just drop the screws into the forend and put the forend in position and move it slightly until I feel the screws drop into the screw holes!
Then I always turn the screws backwards (CCW) until I feel the screws drop into the threads, then turn them forwards (CW) until snug!
I have changed mine quite a few times and I (knock-on-wood) have never messed up the threads on any of my barrels!