There should be enough space to just cut a bigger hole. Its funny because everyone has been saying they have a 6 1/2 stock. I know mine is a 5 1/4 but anyways. I used some wood sealer that was lying around and then hit it with a few coats of paint. A few layers of paint should do fine though. Probably just want to make sure you get the edges good and the inside of the hole where the wood is cut. It will really soak up the paint. I havent had any problems and its been in quite a bit of rain.