I keep the 870 loaded in such a way that the first two out are #7 1/2 field loads. The next four are 3" 00 Buck. I keep the shotgun on two hooks above the closet door in the bedroom. Kids can't reach it, but it's accessible to adults.

Out here where I live, the most frequent invaders are rattle snakes and coyotes. The field loads make short work of rattlers and if I can't put something bigger down with four rounds of 00 Buck, I figure God doesn't want it put down.

As far as two legged predators, the dog will know they're here. He'll let me know they're here too.