I would disagree mate.
Why AK's are termed more prefferd weapon of choice still. Excalibur is nothing but Try to Improve version of AK's. Again Gorilla warfare + 400 mtr of effective range is all required.
Only in jungle warfare,where the engagements never take place ranges beyond 40-50 meter..................in fact,on most occasions,the ranges are even shorter!!But for conventional warfare in open fields,with clear field of view,the engagements take place at ranges beyond 300 meter and for engaging targets at those kind of ranges,you need a rifle that can shoot straight and shoot hard.And for the rifle to be able to shoot straight to long distances,it needs to have a long barrel - laws of physics my dear,can't alter them.