TFB Review Rosco Manufacturing 11.5” K9 Wedge Lock URG

AR-15 upper receivers are available in an expansive and often bewildering array, but Rosco Manufacturing’s 11.5” K9 Wedge Lock URG stands out among the rest. Rosco rolled out URDs at the start of 2024 and I am sure it has been a boom for them. Pretty natural, I mean why not toss all your product into one package (or multiple)? Everything about this URG has been crafted with purpose, from its continuous taper K9 barrel profile to its Wedge Lock handguard system. As we delve deeper into the specs and features of the 11.5" K9 Wedge Lock URG, you can decide for yourselves if this setup is worth the hype at all. Let’s dive right into the review!

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

Specifications: Rosco Manufacturing 11.5” K9 Wedge Lock URG

This is a pre-built upper receiver group that combines Rosco’s respected barrel manufacturing with chosen components to make experienced builders as well as AR-15 beginners quite content. What makes this URG different is the unique patrol length gas system, a feature that promises smoother operation than a carbine length while being more reliable than a mid-length system. The Rosco Manufacturing 11.5” K9 Wedge Lock URG does not come with a BCG or charging handle as is but they are offered as add-ons. My T&E sample had a BCG included.

• Barrel Length: 11.5" K9 Kinetic Consulting (416R, Melonite)
• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Twist Rate: 1:7 RH
• Gas System: Patrol Length
• Gas Block: V2, Non-adjustable, .750 dia (Melonite)
• Gas Tube: K9, Patrol Length (Melonite)
• Upper Receiver: Forged Upper Receiver, 7075 T6 (Anodized)
• Handguard: Wedge Lock, 10.75" MLok (Anodized)
• Muzzle Device: Milspec A2 Flash Hider
• Barrel Material: 416R Stainless Steel
• Barrel Profile: Continuous taper
• Barrel Finish: Nitride
• Barrel Weight: 25.47 oz
• Barrel Thread: 1/2 x 28
• Barrel Crown: Recessed Target
• Barrel Extension Finish: Nitride
• Handguard Internal Diameter: 1.225"
• Bolt Carrier Group: (Melonited, Full-Auto rated)
• Bolt Material: 9310, Properly Heat treated, MPI/HPT
• Carrier Material: 8620 Steel

The MSRP of the Rosco Manufacturing 11.5” K9 Wedge Lock URG starts at $560. This includes everything except for the BCG and charging handle. Rosco does offer some renowned add-on products like their two BCGs and charging handle options. As I mentioned my T&E sample came with a BCG (the $140 nitride BCG) and I tossed an ambi charging handle I had lying around into it.

“The “Built” K9 Wedge Lock URGs features the best aftermarket items we sell as standard equipment in a ready to roll combo. From our highly coveted in-house made barrels, Wedge Lock Forged uppers, Wedge Lock MLOK handguards, to our Bloodline accessories. You’ll even have the option to complete your URG with a Rosco ACF-R Charging Handle and a Rosco Bolt Carrier Group to design one un-stoppable package. All URGs come with an A2 Flash Hider.

The Rosco K9 URGs are a culmination of the performance and synchronization of our barrels and accessories. Our original goal was to supply folks with well-made barrels to improve their current platforms. After we reached that marker, we then sought out the best accessories and tuned them to work perfectly with our barrels in a cohesive system. Ultimately, we decided to bring our talents as shooters and gunsmiths to provide non-builders with a product that was a drop-in option.

Our URGs have every bit of our DNA in them- from the years of turning barrels (OEM & Commercial), to the hand-picked support components, and the many hours of working over a bench. All the details that are often disregarded by other manufacturers are the starting points to these upper receiver groups. Headspace, correct torques, gas port/gas block alignment are the bricks that create a path to cornerstone performance. Those items are not just a hit-list of tasks for these URGs, it’s a roadmap we will never compromise on.

The K9 11.5 offers a proprietary patrol length gas system that is smoother than carbine length, more reliable than mid-length. Features an optimized gas port to run reliably suppressed and/or unsuppressed. The K9 continuous taper is the most effective profile to dissipate heat from hard use. With weight shifted to the back of the barrel, modern attachments on the front of the rifle create a perfectly balanced and better handling rifle. Updated target crown carried over from the Purebred series with improved harmonics, fit and finish.”

First Impressions: Rosco Manufacturing 11.5” K9 Wedge Lock URG

The Rosco Manufacturing 11.5” K9 Wedge Lock URG left a healthy first impression out of the box. It was clean and crisp throughout. There were no signs of dings or chips. Everything felt super solid. The packaging was large (assume they use the boxes for the larger URG options) but well protected and cushioned. On top of all of that, they included a patch and y’all know I’m a sucker for patches!

First impressions of the upper were positive. Everything was clean, solid, and properly torqued - a testament to Rosco's attention to detail. However, a few minor points are worth noting:

• The handguard lacks QD holes near the front, which might disappoint some users. Fortunately, the ample MLOK slots offer plenty of attachment options.
• When attaching an MLOK QD sling mount, the screw contacted the gas block inside the handguard. This isn't a deal-breaker but might require some DIY adjustments or shorter screws.
• Adding a larger aftermarket gas block could potentially create more MLOK screw interference issues upfront.

On the range, the K9 Wedge Lock URG truly shined. Cycling was excellent, and surprisingly, the upper wasn't overly gassy, even when suppressed. Unsuppressed shooting produced a perfect ejection pattern, indicating a well-tuned gas system.

For an all-around excellent option that pairs well with the K9 Wedge Lock, consider the SilencerCo Omega 300. This is a popular versatile can since it is a true do-it-all suppressor with impressive sound reduction while maintaining a relatively compact profile. Its ability to handle multiple calibers makes it a smart choice for shooters who might want to pull a one-and-done (although you will be hooked I promise) and use it on other firearms in their collection.

If you're committed to keeping things as compact as possible, the Dead Air Sierra 5 in its Xeno mount configuration is worth a look. The Xeno model is particularly suited for an ultimate short rifle build, maintaining the K9 Wedge Lock's maneuverability while adding excellent suppression capabilities. The quick-detach system also allows for easy transitions between suppressed and unsuppressed shooting.

For those who want to double down on the small package theme, the YHM Fat Cat deserves consideration. This compact suppressor complements the K9 Wedge Lock's profile nicely, creating an impressively short and handy package that doesn't sacrifice much on suppression performance.

All of these suppressors can be purchased through Silencer Shop, making the process of adding one to your K9 Wedge Lock build as seamless as possible. Whether you prioritize versatility, compactness, or a balance of both, there's a suppressor option that can take your Rosco Manufacturing 11.5" K9 Wedge Lock URG to the next level of performance and shootability.

Final Thoughts: Rosco Manufacturing 11.5” K9 Wedge Lock URG

Overall, the Rosco 11.5" K9 Wedge Lock URG left a lasting impression. Its performance, coupled with its thoughtful design, makes it a strong contender for anyone looking to build a high-quality, compact AR-15. The minor issues with QD mount attachment screws are easily overcome, and the benefits far outweigh these small concerns. After this range session, it's clear why many shooters, myself included, may consider adding one of these uppers to their collection.

In closing, I want to say thank you to Rosco Manufacturing for allowing TFB and myself the opportunity to try out their 11.5” K9 Wedge Lock URG. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think. Do you believe that this pre-built AR-15 upper is worth spending your money on? Would you take this out to the range on the regular? Would this be on your go-to AR build? Let us know all of your thoughts in the comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.

TFB is proud to partner with Silencer Shop as our preferred vendor for all of your NFA needs. Whether you are searching for a new suppressor, SBR, or trust, Silencer Shop is here to provide a seamless and fast service for your next NFA purchase. Head over to www.silencershop.com to begin your NFA journey.