As with everything else, it depends on how he rifle will be used. I this case, the OP said his rifle will be used for range purposes.

As an example... At the Club we have 500 meter matches. Some guys use irons on ARs. Now they're pretty good irons well beyond what comes with the Sport. The 500 meter targets have a 5in X ring though a 36in 5 ring that are used on 6ft wide target holders in the pits (see below). Holding center on a range target doesn't necessarily require much magnification.

As a practical matter, I agree that the AR15 is well suited as a 0-200yd point and click battle rifle. That's why 1x red dots and 50yd zeros are common.