Just curious.

Example:"My remington 870 is my 'go to' long gun because I am most comfortable with the operations of a shotty, I don't have to worry about magazine costs, I am confortable with the cost of buckshot/slugs, and the ease in cleaning/maintenance."

My M&P15 is my go-to. I t isn't expensive, super accurate, or super tacticool but it works. It's short and handy and I can operate it without thinking. It goes bang every time I pull the trigger without exception.

My vintage 16" AR15 with red dot and Glock as a backup.  I like this over a shotgun because its handier, smaller, and has a lot of controllable firepower.

My vintage 16" AR15 with red dot and Glock as a backup.  I like this over a shotgun because its handier, smaller, and has a lot of controllable firepower.

...
Same thing...vintage ar15 carbine, except I run a compact 3x scope.

Just curious.

Example:"My remington 870 is my 'go to' long gun because I am most comfortable with the operations of a shotty, I don't have to worry about magazine costs, I am confortable with the cost of buckshot/slugs, and the ease in cleaning/maintenance."

One of my ARs with 1x red dot is my 'go to" long gun because I am most comfortable with the operations of the AR, I shoot it well (or at least I think I do  ), have shot it more than any of my other long guns, have had more training with it than any of my other long guns, I have ammo on hand and is generally readily available locally, is an soft shooting gun and easy to get others shooting well in a short amount of time, I have more than one, I have the gear for that gun (mags, pouches, etc), and I flat out enjoy shooting it. 

Not really fair as I don't have many options other than my AR. 

I'll take any AR-15 with a red dot, weapon light and a sling.  I have the most experience with the AR platform, tens of thousands of rounds downrange.  It's what I'm the most comfortable with so if I have a choice, that's my choice.  Current setup is a Gen 3 Noveske Infidel with a Trijicon MRO, top mounted Inforce WMLX and a Savvy Sniper sling that can easily transition from 1 or 2 point attachment.

EDIT:  Forgot to specify 5.56 because of commonality and availability of ammo.

I'm not a particularly big fan of the AR platform. I prefer my 1910 Remington Rolling Block in 7mm Mauser and my Anschutz bolt action .22. But I do own 3 AR's. Of the three I prefer my flat top style carbine in .300 BLK with 3-9x Nikon scope.

Joe Biden's double barrel o' justice and a smith model 10 (sidearm)
(I'm serious )
No jams and my daughter can run 'em. 

not quite sure what "go-to" means, but i'm going to assume it means SHTF
in that case my "go-to SHTF" rifle is my built AR47, built on a spikes lower and 7.62x39 upper with a several upgrades to run steel or brass cased ammo flawlessly. it can also be used with any of my other uppers in 5.56 or .223Wylde without a hiccup
the 7.62x39 upper has a 1-6x24 optic with ACSS reticle that I can use for CQC or out to medium range, with ranging and BDC built into the reticle
I believe this 7.62x39 AR is a very good setup for anything 150 yards or less, which is what I think would be a realistic range for SHTF in my immediate surroundings. 
I like the ergonomics of the controls on the AR platform, very easy to operate, proven defensive and offensive rifle platform
I didn't build this rifle to be the most accurate, but I did want it to be durable, dependable, and effective SHTF rifle. 

Good point Stangz.
If we're going by Stangz understanding, I change my mind.
( I was thinking if someone's lurking outside or kicking on your door)

Good point Stangz.
If we're going by Stangz understanding, I change my mind.
( I was thinking if someone's lurking outside or kicking on your door)

You make a good point too
If someone is lurking outside or kicking on my door, my 357 in the fast safe is my quickest option
It can be ready in a few seconds
So if it's a "go-to HD gun" that you need right away, that would be my security six 357.
If it's the middle of the night and I'm half asleep, this one I'm very comfortable handling

I assumed the "go-to" was to defend yourself, loved ones, home, etc.  My answer would still be the same for SHTF. 

As for "go-to" gun period, which again I am thinking HD, it would be my Glock 17.  I live in a condo, so long gun not my first choice.  I have and do consider ease of use for other loved ones as well as ease of getting them up to speed (albeit likely crawling speed) on them.  Same basic considerations that I listed above.

However, I have also considered my 686 with .38 SPL for loved ones as well.  For similar reasons that Hound mentioned.  Damn soft shooting gun with .38 SPL loads and doesn't take much in terms of hand strength to operate.  For me, it all goes back to familiarity of use and availability.  I do have an AK, but I haven't shot it nearly as much as my ARs.  Though I would have no hesitation to put it/them into use. 

Title of the thread is
"What is your "go-to" long gun, and why? "

Just sayin

 

Kick in' my door.
Joe Biden's double barrel o' Justiice.

SHTF.
AR.
Followed by a Marlin .357 lever gun.
(Thing looks like a daisy red rider pellet gun)

I didn't build this rifle to be the most accurate, but I did want it to be durable, dependable, and effective SHTF rifle. 

IMHO (tho guns scare me) a SHTF rifle with an easily damaged scope should have backup iron sights.

IMHO (tho guns scare me) a SHTF rifle with an easily damaged scope should have backup iron sights.

I just liked the first pic better, but of course I have BUIS.   

Now you're talking.  Wish really good quick detach mounts were not so damn $$$

I got some cheap UTG detachable rings, mostly just to be able to quickly remove the scope if I had to,  EOtech is see through, so do not worry about needing to get it out of the way quickly.

No  hope of repeatable zero on and off stuff. GG&G and LaRue are out of my price range.

Good point Stangz.
If we're going by Stangz understanding, I change my mind.
( I was thinking if someone's lurking outside or kicking on your door)

Kicking on your door. You mean like your X.

For a SHTF scenario: BCM Mid 16 Mod 2:


For home defense: Mossberg 500 Thunder Ranch:

Hmmm. I don't really have a go-to long gun. My Glock 19 is the only thing ready for bump in the night.

If I had to grab one gun to run out of the house with though, it would probably be my AR-15.