I always wondered about drilling the hole in an Encore. I figured that if you got stopped the warden would give you a hard time for violating the "spirit" of the law.

But it would technically be exposed to the elements.
This reminds me of the time I called WDFW to ask about what a "revolver type handgun" is. I asked if a Contender shooting a "revolver" round like a 44 mag was legal. I was told that it is not acceptable. So I told them that I'd just use a revolver chambered for a rifle round (45-70 BFR).

Andrew