left-right play in SGS 1-26 stick?

My bet is that the single greatest contributor is the pitch pivot at
the base of the control stick. I think you will find that the holes
for the pivot bolt are elongated, and allow the stick to move a great
deal before engaging the torque tube that runs under the pilot seat.

Thanks, Bob K.

I agree with Bob. I believe there is a service bulletin (Not an AD)
to fix this. See the K&L site.

aerodyne