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It is definately the M777.

 

Excessive range is a no a brainer for towed howitzer. Get rocket launchers for over 30km fire missions. The lighter the howitzer, the more shells can be carried with gun crews, and the faster the fire mission will be. M77 is also very compact, and it makes it easier to operate in shattered terrain and build up areas.

This is one of those discussins where the value of the weapon can only be judged within the context of the country who has it and/or in the context of a particular mission. 

 

US weapons, more so than almost all other countries, are made to be rapidly transported, by air when necessary.  Since we see little chance of fighting a war without moving them overseas our needs will often require lighter weight than most countries.  Unless, of course, we go to war with Mexico or Canada.

One of the most modern towed GUNs is the Finnish 155k98, but that's only because not too many nations develop towed guns anymore. It has 52 cal barrel and maximum range of 40 km. It's equipped with an APU, a navigation system, a projectile velocity radar and a camouflage system (Or what ever those are in English).