@ nipper: Oh yeah. Mythbusters did an episode of just that. If the angle is just right, it's no different than skipping a rock. Also, a gators hide is very tough, and as far away as they were with a .22 it's very feasible that it hit the gator and bounced back in any given direction.
@ ridge: That ideaology just doesn't exist anymore, at least since the late 50's it seems. I'm only 28, but I was raised with a lot more common sense than that. I've been trusted with a gun alone since I was about 7, but I had to earn that trust and keep it. I have kids, and they would learn the true meaning of a$$whoopin from me if they EVER pull a stupid stunt like that! That is, after they appologize to the victim, fix any damage, and relinquish any and all priviledges to firearms!
Sorry to hear that ferm and good luck to ya with that situation!