I have a Starduster SA100 with a Scotts tailwheel. The tailwheel is
not tight on the springs it is loose and the wheel can be moved a few
inches each direction before the springs make contact.

I would think that there should be no play in the springs... my
thought is that it could cause shimmy and also make it unstable on the
ground?

The person that I bought the plane from has been flying it that way
and made no comments about the tention.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Steve