Dogs, yappy dogs, are an essential part of the farms "layered" defense. We tried the motion detector lights but every fox, deer and varmints that wanted the mean streets here triggered them...it was like Saturday Night Fever in varmint breeding season.
Now I can, with one flip of a switch, light the outside up and, thanks to another posters here recommendation, I have a hand held light that can see for a long, long way.
In addition to the Ruger I had, until lost at sea, a Mossberg 20ga pistol grip shot gun with an 18 and 1/2 inch barrel. Minimal recoil, nice mix of rounds since we have no children in the house.
I am thinking of getting another one although I may go .410
My wife also has a night stand revolver in a caliber to her liking.
Lastly, I have the neighborhood rifle, shot gun and pistol range so I know what the folks in the farm community have.
I know the above sounds excessive, but we are a long way from the last trolley station. Preparation is reality. I also have layered generators for big storms.
If we need more than that, the SHTF bigly.