TFB Review: Rosco Manufacturing 11.5” K9 Wedge Lock URG
Rosco Manufacturing, established in 2017 and based in Rhode Island, is a firearms company specializing in producing barrels and firearm components. The company focuses on creating reliable and precise products designed to meet the needs of both civilian firearms enthusiasts and professionals in law enforcement and the military. Drawing on industry experience, Rosco has developed a reputation for balancing craftsmanship while not leaving a massive hole in your wallet. By employing modern manufacturing techniques and maintaining strict quality standards, the company offers a range of barrels in various calibers and profiles, and now upper receiver groups too!
Disclaimers: Rosco reached out to me back in May of this year about reviewing one of their new upper-receiver groups and I was happy to say “Hell ya, send that thing over”. With that being said no money or ammo was exchanged for this review but I am allowed to keep this Upper after the conclusion of this review. Rosco has not previewed this review prior to publication. I would also like to thank the guys at Hornady for supplying most of the ammo for this review, it is always much appreciated! Lastly, Yes, TFB has already reviewed this product earlier this year and while we try not to repeat reviews, these things do happen but this way our readers are getting another perspective on the same product, and there is value in that.
Check out our earlier review of the Rosco Manufacturing 11.5” K9 Wedge Lock URG
Rosco Content on TFB:
Rosco Manufacturing Collabs with Barrel & Hatchet for New K9 16” Barrel Rosco Manufacturing Announces Upper Receiver Groups (URGs) Rosco Manufacturing K9 11.5 Kinetic Consulting 5.56 NATO Barrel New 9mm Barrels from Rosco Manufacturing Eliminate Your AR Build Worries with Rosco’s new “Sauce Pack” Bundles
Specs:
Barrel Length – 11.5”Caliber – 5.56 or 300 BLKBarrel Twist – 1-7Gas Block – Rosco V2, Non-adjustableGas Tube – Rosco K9 PatrolUpper Receiver – ForgedHandguard- Wedge Locked M-LOK AnodizedMuzzle Device – Milspec A2 Flash HiderMSRP – $565
The 12.5” K9 Wedge Lock Upper Receiver Group (URG) from Rosco Manufacturing represents a well engineered and versatile firearm system. Designed for both professionals and enthusiasts, this upper receiver group combines top-tier materials, precision machining, and a thoughtful design to deliver exceptional performance for the money.
Build Quality
Rosco Manufacturing is known for their craftsmanship, and the 11.5” K9 Wedge Lock URG is no exception. Every component of this upper receiver group feels robust and purpose-built. The upper receiver itself is machined from high-grade aluminum, ensuring durability while maintaining a lightweight profile. The finish is sleek and uniform, with a hard-coat anodization that resists wear and corrosion, making it well-suited for rigorous use in less than ideal environments.
The assembly quality is equally impressive. The tight tolerances in the fit between the receiver and barrel extension contribute to its solid feel. There is no discernible wobble or play, even after extended use, which speaks volumes about how the URG is assembled. I paired this upper with my Type-A lower receiver and the two fit together nicely.
Barrel Accuracy
At the heart of the 11.5” K9 URG lies one of Rosco’s signature products: the K9 barrel. Known for their expertise in barrel manufacturing, Rosco has designed the K9 barrel specifically for applications requiring consistent accuracy and durability. Constructed from 4150 CMV steel and finished with a black nitride coating, the barrel is engineered for longevity and resistance to environmental wear.
The 11.5” length is certainly on the shorter side but I still wanted to test out its accuracy. During testing, the barrel demonstrated excellent accuracy, achieving tight groupings with high-quality ammunition. Even with some green tip, I was able to get some pretty tight groupings. The barrel features a 1:7 twist rate, which optimally stabilizes a wide range of bullet weights, from lighter 55-grain rounds to heavier 77-grain projectiles. This makes the K9 barrel an excellent choice for those who prioritize flexibility and shoot a multitude of ammo weights through their rifles.
Weight
The complete upper receiver group (with bolt and charging handle) weighs just over 4 pounds, which may be a bit heavy for some users. The compact 11.5” barrel contributes to a center of gravity that feels natural, especially when paired with lightweight accessories. The upper is obviously easy to maneuver in tighter spaces given its size but when you pick up this upper you will notice it has some heft to it. Most of that weight will be coming from the thicker barrel.
Handguard Design
The Wedge Lock handguard is a standout feature of this URG, but what is a wedge lock exactly? A wedge lock is a system that uses tension to secure bolted joints, rather than friction. Wedge locks are designed to prevent joints from loosening, even under extreme vibrations or dynamic loads. I can attest to the rigidity of this Handguard on this URG because that thing is super tight. I would definitely have no reservations about mounting a laser aiming device to the handguard and worrying about any zero shift from the handguard itself.
The handguard is machined from durable aluminum and features a slim, ergonomic profile that facilitates a secure grip. Its modularity is enhanced by M-LOK attachment slots along the length of the handguard, allowing users to customize their setup with lights, lasers, grips, and other accessories without unnecessary bulk. Unfortunately, the M-LOK slot at the 6 o’clock position under the gas block is unusable due to it having very little clearance. This is kind of disappointing but not out of the norm with slim M-LOK handguards on the market today.
Cost
One of the most compelling aspects of the 12.5” K9 Wedge Lock URG is its price-to-performance ratio. Priced competitively in the mid-to-high range ($550ish) of the market, this upper receiver group delivers exceptional value considering the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and performance it offers. While it may not be the cheapest option available, it is clear that Rosco Manufacturing has aimed to provide a premium product that justifies its cost.
Likes
Price to performance ratio is outstandingYou’re getting quality components all from the same manufacturerRosco Barrels offer great accuracy
Dislikes
A relatively heavy URGM-LOK slot does not clear the gas blockAnodized handguard can reflect light
Final Thoughts
The 11.5” K9 Wedge Lock Upper Receiver Group from Rosco Manufacturing is a real treat to shoot and offers a lot of performance for the money. This is a no-frills URG and may not have all the wizz-bang features some people are accustomed to at this point.
From its robust build quality and barrel accuracy to its lightweight and versatile handguard (aside from that one M-LOK slot), every aspect of this URG is thoughtfully engineered to meet the demands of modern shooters. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, the K9 Wedge Lock URG delivers a level of performance and reliability that justifies its price in my opinion. Whether you are a professional seeking a dependable tool or an enthusiast looking to enhance your shooting experience, this upper receiver group is a worthy investment.